Zamfara Governor Distributes Sticks and Torches to Communities Amid Rising Bandit Attacks
GUSAU, ZAMFARA – The Zamfara State Government has donated sticks and torches to residents in several rural communities as part of efforts to support local self-defense and night vigilance against armed bandits.
The distribution, which took place over the weekend in Gusau and other affected local government areas, was announced by Governor during a town hall meeting with community leaders. According to officials, the materials are intended to aid community watch groups in patrolling their villages at night and raising alarms.
Speaking to residents, the Governor said the gesture was meant to “complement security efforts” and encourage communities to stay alert while waiting for federal security reinforcement. “We know the pain our people are going through. These items will help our vigilantes see at night and defend their homes with what they have, until more support arrives,” he said.
The donation comes amid renewed attacks by armed groups in parts of Zamfara who have been reported to be carrying sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles. Residents in Dansadau, Maru, and Anka LGAs have reported repeated raids on villages, leading to displacement and loss of lives and property.
Community leaders who received the items said they welcomed any form of support but also appealed to the state and federal governments for more direct security intervention. “Sticks and torches can help us raise alarm, but we need the military and police to confront those with guns,” said one village head in Maru.
Security analysts note that Zamfara has been one of the states worst hit by banditry in the North-West, with thousands displaced in the last three years. Both state and federal authorities have deployed joint task forces, but residents say response times remain slow in remote areas.
The State Government said the distribution will continue to other vulnerable communities and will be done alongside training for local vigilante groups on coordination with security agencies. Officials also urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to report suspicious movements to authorities
As night patrols resume in several villages, residents say they hope the gesture brings some relief, even as calls grow louder for lasting solutions to the insecurity in the state.
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