Angry youths in Gwashi community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have reportedly barricaded roads and blocked the convoy of Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini, protesting what they described as the government’s failure to protect residents from persistent bandit attacks.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the deputy governor visited the community to commiserate with residents following a recent attack in which at least nine security operatives and several civilians were reportedly killed.
Residents said the youths prevented the delegation from entering the town, chanting “Bamayi”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you”, while expressing their displeasure with the state government’s handling of the security situation.
Two residents, Lauwali Abubakar and Bawa Suleiman, reportedly confirmed the protest, while another resident, Kabiru Garba, said the community was angered by the absence of government officials immediately after the deadly attack.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP by telephone, Garba said the residents felt abandoned during the attack and the period of mourning that followed.
“The people are angry. We lost nine security personnel and many innocent citizens. Nobody from government came when we were under attack and mourning our people. Now they are here, we don’t want them,” he said.
The protest reportedly escalated, forcing the deputy governor and his security team to seek cover amid fears that the agitated youths could attack the delegation.
The development underscores growing frustration among residents of Bukkuyum over recurring banditry and concerns about the government’s response to attacks in the area.
Bukkuyum is among the local government areas in Zamfara State that have faced persistent security challenges, with armed groups repeatedly targeting communities and threatening residents’ safety.
As of the time of filing this report, the deputy governor and his entourage were reportedly unable to leave the community, with reinforcements said to be awaited to facilitate their safe departure.
The Zamfara State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the reported incident as of Sunday.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured during the confrontation or whether the deputy governor subsequently left the community.
