Mummuni had visited Gwashi to commiserate with residents over a bandit attack that reportedly killed at least 20 people the previous week.
Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, was reportedly trapped by angry youths in Gwashi town, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, on Sunday during a condolence visit following a deadly bandit attack on the community.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows scores of youths barricading the dusty entrance to the town’s market with wooden tables while chanting “Bamayi” (We don’t want you) in Hausa, preventing the deputy governor’s convoy from entering the area.
Mummuni had visited Gwashi to commiserate with residents over a bandit attack that reportedly killed at least 20 people the previous week.
The situation reportedly escalated as the youths became increasingly hostile, forcing the deputy governor and his security detail to take cover.
The incident came amid growing anger among residents over the government’s response to the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Residents reportedly expressed frustration that no government official visited the community immediately after the attack, which claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel.
On October 11, gunmen ambushed a convoy of traders travelling from Gwashi district to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area under military escort.
At least 20 people were reportedly killed in the ambush, including four soldiers, three mobile police officers, one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and more than 12 civilians.
The attack also disrupted weekly market activities in Gurusu and Nasarawa, while residents accused notorious bandit leader Muhammad Gwaska of being responsible for the assault.
The incident was part of a particularly violent period in Zamfara State, which also witnessed attacks along the Dansadau road, where 12 vehicles were reportedly set ablaze, and the killing of vigilantes in Damba.
As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Government had not issued an official statement regarding Sunday’s incident.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach the Zamfara State Police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his telephone line went unanswered.
Bukkuyum Local Government Area, where Gwashi is located, remains among the areas severely affected by persistent bandit attacks in Zamfara State.
The incident highlights growing frustration among rural communities over insecurity and the perceived failure of authorities to provide adequate protection outside the state capital, Gusau.
Reacting to the video, a resident who shared it on X, formerly known as Twitter, said residents should express their dissatisfaction through the ballot box rather than by blocking roads.
“They have to show BAMAYI (We don’t want you) on the ballot paper, not by blocking roads,” the resident wrote.
The resident added that the anger reflected a broader sentiment among people living outside the state capital.
“Allah ya dawo mana da zaman lafiya da aminci a jihar mu ta Zamfara da Nigeria,” the resident said, meaning, “May Allah restore peace and security to our state of Zamfara and Nigeria.”
