About 2000 people from communities in the western part of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have abandoned their villages over a threat of reprisal attacks by bandits, according to reports by Daily Trust.
The bandits were reported to have threatened to avenge the killings of many of their members, including some of their to commanders in an operation by security forces in the area.
In an interview, a resident of the village identified as Muhammad Murtala said they were compelled to abandon their parental villages and run for safety.
“All Security personnel deployed to our villages vacated from their strategic points two days after their success against bandits.
“Now we are afraid that the bandits may return,” the report quoted the resident.
The report said residents of Kunchin Kalgo and other neighbouring villages were seen parking their belongings and heading for Tsafe, the headquarters of Tsafe LGA.
Council chairman of Tsafe LGA
Garba Panchase, confirmed that the villagers fled to the council headquarters.
He said, the Civilian JTF vacated the area in preparation for deployment and swapping with others relocated to the area but security personnel were still present in the community.
He said the “The villagers flee their communities as a result of rumours initiated by people that do not mean well for the government.
The villagers alleged that JTF and other security forces vacated the area as the bandits were regrouping for reprisal.
Reported by Daily Trust
