The Zamfara State Government has strongly condemned the recent bandit and terrorist attack on Dutsin Dan-Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, which claimed more than 50 lives, left many injured, destroyed property, and displaced many residents.
Dutsin Dan-Ajiya, a remote community with poor access roads, was severely affected as bandits razed more than half of the village during the attack and abducted many women and children..
While leading a government delegation to the community, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mumini, described the assault as barbaric, inhuman, and a crime against innocent citizens.
The Deputy Governor, who commiserated with the entire community on behalf of the government and people of the state, urged residents to remain patient and steadfast, saying that, the incident was a divine trial that could befall on anyone, and encouraged them to place their trust in God during this difficult time.
While acknowledging and appreciating the ongoing efforts of federal security agencies operating in the state, the Deputy Governor expressed concern over the absence of a federal government delegation to formally commiserate with the government and people of Zamfara on such incidents.
He stressed that, visible national solidarity during moments of tragedy is vital to reassure citizens that every Nigerian life is valued.
Mani Malam Mumini also confirmed the killings of over fifty people while delivering his speech at the Emir of Anka Palace.
He reiterated Government commitment to continue strengthening collaboration with federal security forces, investing in critical security assets and logistics, enhancing intelligence gathering, and supporting community-based security structures within the confines of the law.
As part of immediate relief efforts, the Deputy Governor announced the donation of 23 million naira, 200 bags of grains, and 200 sets of captans and wrappers for distribution to affected victims.
He further disclosed that, additional security personnel have been arranged for deployed to the area to stabilize the situation and prevent further attacks.
Earlier, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad described the incident as the second most devastating bandit attack in the history of Anka Local Government Area.
According to the Emir, about 60 villages in Anka Local Government Area alone have been completely deserted or displaced since the onset of banditry.
He urged residents to remain united and vigilant, encourage mutual support, and avoid collaborating with criminals.
He also prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of the injured hospitalized.
In a remark, the District Head of Dutsin Dan-Ajiya, Mohammed Junaidu, appealed to the state government to address lack of security presence in the area, noting that, many surrounding communities have been displaced due to repeated attacks.
A residents of the community, who spoke with newsmen said the bandits stormed the village around 3pm and started shooting and burning houses which lasted for more than two hours.
“We buried 33 people while others were burned beyond recognition, with houses and local grain stores destroyed”
Our correspondent, who visited the community as part of the Deputy Governor’s entourage, reports that residents are in urgent need of government support, particularly in the provision of basic social amenities.
Zamfara State Government is always assuring people that it remains fully committed, determined, and focused on restoring lasting peace and ensuring that criminal elements have no place in the state.
Similarly, last week, the state Governor Dauda Lawal has handed over Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and drones to troops of the Nigerian Army as part commitment to confront the issue of banditry with seriousness.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
