Residents jittery as bandits regroup in Zamfara forest

Armed bandits were sighted Sunday morning regrouping in a forest near Babbar Doka community sparking fresh fear over possible attacks on some communities in Dansadau District of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Daily Trust gathered.

Last Friday, vigilantes, also known as Yan Sakai, believed to be from Ruwan Tofa, Malele and other neighbouring communities had invaded Dansadau market and killed several suspected bandits.

The deadly raid on the market by the Yan Sakai followed the killing of three farmers who had gone to clear their farmlands in preparation for this year’s cropping season in Ruwan Tofa community.

Dansadau, a district blessed with very fertile land for crop farming and animal grazing, has been ravaged by the activities of armed bandits and kidnappers for many years.

“Dozens of motorbike riding armed men mostly clad in military uniforms were seen regrouping in a forest south of Babbar Doka, a community located 15km west of Dansadau town,” a resident Bilyaminu Dansadau told Daily Trust.

“The armed criminals are still in the forest that shares boundary with Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states. There is a stream there, immediately after crossing the stream, you will enter Kaduna and Niger states. The authorities should act fast because there is tension in the district.

“The residents of Ruwan Tofa and other communities around the area are prepared for possible attacks by these criminals. They have stopped everyone from leaving the community since yesterday,” he said.

Another resident identified as Nuhu Dansadau told our correspondent that the armed bandits who had earlier converged on Babbar Doka community were seizing phones from residents so that no one leaked information on their mission.

“The regrouping armed bandits are commanded by Dogo Gide, Sani Mochoko and Damina. They are the notorious bandits’ leaders in the area,” he added.