For the past five years, Zamfara is only in the news when it comes to banditry, mass kidnappings and mass deaths. The bad news has always eclipsed the numerous good developments that reveal hope and optimism in the state. The narrative depicts the government’s lax approach to policy that could put an end to the needless bloodletting that sent thousands of citizens to their graves. It is sad and we mourn always every day because the future appears bleak. After all, we have no peace.
Zamfara used to be a hub of inter-border trade, with spacious fertile lands to help feed the nation. With peace, there was no hunger in Zamfara, but now, many people are starving because they are displaced and stripped of a chance to feed their families. Despite relative normalcy that returned to many parts of Zamfara recently, we need sustainable peace to enable the people to return to their homes without fear of overnight attacks. It is an arduous task but a work in progress.
But all hope is not lost. We understand that these criminal elements wreaking havoc in our communities don’t even spare their own when it comes to acts of inhumanity.
At the moment, peace is returning to Zamfara, thanks to the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers some of who sacrificed their lives in the cause of protecting us, and the efforts being made by the government to support the security forces with logistics.
The government’s community policing that encourages civilians to track criminals and send tip-offs to the security for rapid response, is not only motivating, but also contributes to the sharp reduction in criminal activities in Zamfara. One of such successes was the neutralization of dozens of bandits in Bakura this week.
What Zamfara needs at this trying moment is patriotism. Supporting and having confidence in the government-led approach to tackle the activities of criminal elements in the state is a morale-boosting gesture. It is our duty to support the government and urge it to do more
Bashir Aliyu wrote from Anka, Zamfara State
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