The Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Faru, has revealed the devastating impact of banditry on his council, saying that no fewer than 1,065 people have been killed since 2015. He also disclosed that residents have paid more than N2.9 billion to armed bandits in the form of ransom and illegal levies during the same period.
Umar-Faru made these disclosures while speaking to journalists, painting a grim picture of life in Bukkuyum, one of the local government areas worst affected by insecurity in Zamfara State. According to him, persistent attacks by armed groups have displaced thousands of residents and brought farming and other economic activities almost to a standstill.
“From the records I gathered and compiled across the 17 districts in my local government, from 2015 to date, we have lost 1,065 people who were killed by bandits, and paid over N2.9 billion as ransom for kidnapped victims and levies forcibly imposed on our villages and communities,” the chairman said.
Bukkuyum Local Government Area is located in the western part of Zamfara State and is largely agrarian. Most residents depend on farming and livestock rearing for survival. However, years of bandit attacks have made it difficult for people to access their farms or move freely between communities.
Umar-Faru explained that all 17 districts under Bukkuyum have suffered repeated attacks by armed bandits. He said villages are often invaded, forcing residents to either flee or pay money to the criminals in order to avoid further violence.
According to the chairman, bandits have imposed illegal taxes and levies on many communities, making payment a condition for daily survival. In many cases, families are forced to sell their farm produce, livestock, or personal belongings to raise money for ransom.
In addition to the loss of human lives, Umar-Faru said the economic damage caused by banditry has been massive. He disclosed that thousands of animals have been rustled over the years, further deepening poverty among residents.
He said, “Armed bandits have rustled 84,928 cows, 52,423 goats, and 187 camels across the council. These are livelihoods that families depended on for generations.”
The chairman also revealed that over 200 people, including women and children, are currently being held hostage by bandits in different camps. Many of these abducted persons have been in captivity for months, as their families struggle to raise ransom demands.
Zamfara State has been at the centre of Nigeria’s banditry crisis for over a decade. The problem, which began as clashes between farmers and herders, later grew into organised criminal activity involving mass killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on villages.
One of the major challenges in Bukkuyum and neighbouring areas is the presence of vast forests that serve as hideouts for criminal groups. Umar-Faru specifically mentioned Gando Forest as a major base for bandits operating in the area.
According to him, as long as the forest remains unchecked, bandits will continue to launch attacks on surrounding communities. He called on the Federal Government to take decisive military action to clear the forest and dismantle criminal camps.
“Gando Forest remains a major hideout for these criminals, and it requires serious military attention if we are to have lasting peace,” he said.
Umar-Faru appealed directly to the Federal Government to intensify its fight against banditry, noting that local and state governments have limited powers over security agencies.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Zamfara State Government in supporting affected communities but stressed that security remains under federal control.
“We are doing our best at the state and local levels, but we do not have direct control over federal security agencies,” he said.
The chairman also expressed hope that the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence would bring renewed focus and stronger action against insecurity in Zamfara and other troubled states.
He said many residents are hopeful that the new defence leadership will lead to better coordination among security agencies and more effective operations against bandits.
Over the years, thousands of residents of Bukkuyum have been displaced from their homes, taking refuge in safer towns or living in informal camps. Schools in some communities have been shut, and access to healthcare has been severely affected due to fear of attacks.
Despite these challenges, Umar-Faru said the people of Bukkuyum remain resilient and continue to hope for peace.
He called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to act urgently to end the suffering of innocent citizens.
The chairman warned that without decisive action, banditry would continue to destroy lives and livelihoods in Zamfara State.