Youths in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly vandalised and set fire to offices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while blocking major highways in protest against worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
The youths took to the streets to express their anger over the deteriorating security situation and growing hardship faced by residents in the area.
A video seen by SaharaReporters shows youths vandalising properties and engaging in chaotic activities during the protest.
The footage also showed a large number of youths gathered along a road, disrupting movement and reportedly blocking major highways in the area.
The protest reportedly reflects growing frustration among residents over insecurity and worsening living conditions in parts of Sokoto State.
Only on Friday, SaharaReporters reported that terrorists operating in Zamfara State invaded an open market in Talata Mafara Local Government Area and issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents to raise ₦50million, 50 cattle and 50 sheep or face another attack.
SaharaReporters learnt exclusively that the terrorists recently stormed the community’s open market and warned residents that they must meet the demands within seven days or face an imminent attack.
Residents who spoke with SaharaReporters on Thursday had said the latest threat was a consequence of what they described as the repeated failure of security agencies and the government to stop attacks in the community.
“This is happening because the government and security agencies have failed to stop these terrorists from attacking us. They have come here several times, and nothing has been done to prevent them from coming back,” one resident told SaharaReporters.
According to the residents, the terrorists have carried out several attacks in the area, seized farmlands and rustled cattle belonging to villagers, yet have faced little or no resistance from security forces.
“They have taken our farmlands and rustled our cattle, but we have not seen any serious response from the security agencies. Now they have become so bold that they can enter our market and give us a deadline to bring them money and animals,” another resident said.
The residents said the apparent lack of response had emboldened the terrorists to return openly to the community and issue demands to the same people they had previously attacked.
“They are now behaving as if they own this community. They attack us, take our farms and animals, and leave without being stopped. That is why they have the confidence to come back and tell us what we must pay,” the resident said.
One of the residents said the terrorists now appeared to believe they could dictate terms to the community because previous attacks had gone largely unchecked.
“They have become very boastful because every time they attack, there is no decisive response. They are now daring the people openly, and that is why this latest demand is frightening,” another resident said.
The latest threat comes after a deadly attack on communities under Sauna Ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area in July, when terrorists reportedly killed 22 farmers working on their farmlands.
The attackers, who reportedly moved in large numbers on motorcycles, crossed the Anka–Mayanchi highway and passed through several villages, including Ruwan Gora, Zauren Gora, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya and Tundun Namali, before reaching Sauna.
The movement reportedly covered almost 50 kilometres, with the terrorists travelling through several communities before reaching their targets.
The attack took place in broad daylight, beginning at about 2pm and lasting until around 5pm, according to residents.
The terrorists also reportedly rustled an unspecified number of animals during the attack.
