Over 2,000 villagers flee Zamfara communities over planned bandits’ reprisal attacks

More than 2,000 residents of communities in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state have fled their homes over fears of a reprisal attack by bandits.

The villagers reportedly abandoned their communities in the western part of the local government after security personnel vacated parts of the area.

“Some security personnel deployed to our villages vacated from their strategic points two days after neutralizing some bandits. Now we are afraid that the bandits may return,” one villager said.

Residents of Kunchin Kalgo and neighbouring villages were seen leaving with their belongings and moving towards the Tsafe local government headquarters.

Tsafe local government area chairman, Garba Panchase confirmed the development, atressing that the villagers relocated to the local government headquarters.

Panchase said the movement was triggered by rumours, adding that even though members of the civilian JTF vacated the area for redeployment, conventional security personnel remained on ground.

His words: “The people flew their communities as a result of rumours initiated by people that do not mean well for the government.”

Some villagers, however, alleged that security forces left as bandits regrouped for reprisal attacks, adding that it has heightened fear among residents.