By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gusau
More than 30 communities in Mada District of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State, have deserted their homes following the withdrawal of security troops from Lilo village.
Residents said the mass movement was triggered by fears of renewed bandit attacks after soldiers who had protected the area for years pulled out.
A resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the troops were initially deployed in June 2019 by former governor Bello Matawalle shortly after he assumed office.
He noted that the security presence, comprising over 60 personnel, had helped stabilise the area and kept bandit incursions at bay for more than seven years.
According to him, the troops were withdrawn late at night, with two Armoured Personnel Carriers and a Toyota Hilux evacuating soldiers from the community.
He said a security source informed him that the withdrawal was necessitated by fears of ambush, especially with the onset of the rainy season.
The source added that poor road access and river barriers make reinforcement difficult, recalling that six personnel were killed in a similar ambush during the previous rainy season.
The resident explained that several communities within the Mada axis had earlier relocated closer to Lilo for safety, while only Gusami Gora village reportedly struck a truce with bandits.
He warned that bandit camps are located within a few kilometres of Lilo, with some occupying farmlands near the community.
He added that locals had supported the stationed troops with food, water, firewood and farming assistance, contributing significantly to the relative peace enjoyed in recent years.
The withdrawal, he said, has forced residents to flee towards Gusau, despite attempts by authorities to redirect them to nearby settlements.
Contacted on the development, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, had deployed tactical teams and Armoured Personnel Carriers to the area, restoring calm and reinforcing security presence.
