Residents of Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State have accused Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of failing to stem the tide of insecurity following a deadly assault on Dutsin Dan Ajiya village.
The residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the governor had not lived up to his campaign pledge to restore peace across the troubled state.
Their anger followed reports that 37 persons were killed while about 150 others were abducted during the attack on the agrarian community in Anka LGA, an incident that has thrown the area into mourning.
“When he was campaigning, he assured us he would end insecurity and bring lasting peace. That was why many of us supported him,” one resident said.
“But since he became governor, the attacks have continued. In some cases, they even feel worse. We are losing our loved ones.”
Another community member lamented what he described as a weak and slow response to repeated attacks, noting that fear had paralysed farming and commercial activities.
“Our people are being killed and kidnapped in large numbers. Farmers cannot go to their farms, businesses are shutting down, and many families have been displaced. We feel abandoned. Leadership must be about protecting lives first,” he said.
A youth leader in the area demanded accountability, insisting that the people deserved protection.
“We are not asking for too much. We just want safety. The governor made clear promises to tackle insecurity decisively. If those promises cannot be fulfilled, then there should be accountability. Our lives matter,” he stated.
The residents maintained that although security is largely under federal control, the state government must show stronger coordination and commitment in confronting the crisis.
They therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and reinforce security operations in Zamfara.
“We are appealing directly to the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle the criminal networks hiding in our forests. Zamfara cannot continue like this,” an elder in the community added.
The residents stressed that only a coordinated and decisive effort between state and federal authorities would halt the bloodshed and restore confidence among traumatised communities in Anka.