In several towns and villages across Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, a haunting routine has taken hold: as dusk falls, residents gather a few belongings and flee into the bush or safer neighboring areas, returning only when the sun rises.
This nightly exodus is a desperate attempt to avoid the increasing threat of violence from heavily armed groups believed to be loyal to a known criminal figure, Bello Kaura, alias Dan Sade. Over the weekend, a new wave of attacks in the Kauran Namoda Local Government Area left four dead and 26 kidnapped, according to local sources.
Among the hardest-hit was Sabon Gari, where residents say at least 20 people, including women and children, were taken in a coordinated midnight raid. The attackers reportedly struck between 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, catching many off guard despite a nearby security presence in Kaura Namoda town.
“They came in large numbers. By the time people realized what was happening, it was too late,” said one witness who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They took a man, his two wives, and three children in one swoop.”
Communities in neighboring areas, such as Unguwan Sarkin Musulmi and Yamitsawa, have become virtual ghost towns by evening, with families abandoning their homes in fear. The attackers appear to be moving with impunity, despite repeated calls from locals for more proactive military intervention.
The identity of the group’s leader, Dan Sade, is widely known in the area. Locals say he uses his deep roots in the region to evade capture. “He’s not a stranger here. His father is even a traditional titleholder in Kaura Namoda. That’s part of the problem,” a resident said.
Amid the insecurity, Kungurki village has also seen bloodshed. On Thursday, four people were killed and one person abducted. By the next day, the kidnappers had contacted the villagers demanding ₦3 million, but refused to allow any proof that the victim was still alive.
“We can’t just give money without knowing if he’s alive,” a villager explained. “People are scared and frustrated.”
In yet another incident, gunmen attacked a vehicle convoy along the Kaura-Gusau road. The Secretary of the Birnin Magaji Local Government Area was shot and wounded, while his brother and one other person were taken away. Two commercial drivers were also killed in a separate attack on the same route.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Zamfara State Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he was unable to comment immediately, noting that he was away for a seminar and needed to confirm the details with headquarters.
The wave of violence has deeply affected at least 20 communities in Kauran Namoda, including Madira, Yankaba, Kagara, Kasuwar Daji, and Banga, among others.
Residents are calling for urgent military intervention and the establishment of permanent security outposts to deter further attacks.
Responding to the crisis, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle the menace head-on. Last week, he handed over 140 patrol vehicles to various security agencies, while also launching a local defense initiative known as the Community Protection Guards.
“Our commitment to protecting lives and property is unwavering,” the governor stated. “We are mobilizing every available resource to support our security agencies.”
He also paid tribute to fallen personnel, saying, “The courage and sacrifice of our security forces will never be forgotten.”
As Zamfara continues to battle the scourge of rural banditry, residents cling to hope that stronger measures will bring peace back to their towns and allow them to sleep safely in their homes once again.
