The development, according to residents, has left the area exposed to fresh bandit attacks, triggering a mass exodus to safer locations.
Panic has gripped parts of Zamfara State after the sudden withdrawal of security operatives from Lilo village in Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area, forcing residents of over 30 surrounding communities to abandon their homes.
The development, according to residents, has left the area exposed to fresh bandit attacks, triggering a mass exodus to safer locations.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the troops, who had been stationed in Lilo for more than seven years, were withdrawn late at night, sparking fear among villagers who had relied heavily on their presence for protection.
A resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as dire, saying the withdrawal created immediate panic.
“We fled because we are afraid of imminent attacks by bandits. The troops have been our only protection,” he said.
He explained that the soldiers were initially deployed to the community in June 2019.
“The troops stayed here for over seven years. There were more than 60 personnel from different security agencies. Their presence kept us safe,” he added.
The source further disclosed that the troops were evacuated around 10pm using two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.
“One of the security officers told me they were pulled out due to fears of ambush, especially as the rainy season begins. The river around the village makes access difficult, and reinforcement is nearly impossible,” he explained.
Recounting past incidents, the resident said troops stationed in the area had previously suffered casualties during the rainy season due to delayed reinforcements.
“During the previous rainy season, troops in the area were ambushed, and six personnel were killed because reinforcements could not reach them on time due to poor road conditions,” he said.
He added that residents from several neighbouring communities, including Gusami Gora up to Birnin Magaji, had earlier relocated to Lilo for safety due to the military presence.
“We are surrounded by bandit camps. Some are less than three kilometres from this village, and some even occupy our farmlands,” he said.
The resident noted that the relationship between the villagers and the troops had been cordial, with locals providing daily support to security personnel.
“We supported them with food, firewood, water, and even farmland. We cultivated and harvested crops for them. During festive periods, we contributed to provide animals for celebrations,” he said.
He stressed that the cooperation between residents and the troops helped maintain relative peace in the area over the years.
“For over seven years, there were no informants or bandit collaborators here. That is why we are now at risk—they see us as enemies for refusing to cooperate with them,” he said.
Warning of the dangers ahead, the source said remaining in the village without security cover could have devastating consequences.
“If the bandits attack, they will burn people alive and destroy the entire village. That is why we have no choice but to leave,” he said.
He also revealed that displaced residents were heading towards Gusau, the state capital, despite directives to relocate to nearby Keita or Kwatarkwashi.
“The district head insists we must reach the capital so the government can respond quickly to our situation,” he said.
When contacted, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the development.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, had responded swiftly by deploying reinforcements.
“We immediately deployed a police tactical team with support from two Armoured Personnel Carriers to the area,” he said.
He added that the intervention had restored calm.
“With the presence of our personnel, calm has returned to the area,” Abubakar stated.
