Deputy governor’s convoy blocked by youths in Zamfara amid security concerns

Incident in Gwashi On Sunday, a convoy carrying Zamfara State’s deputy governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, was confronted by a group of local youths in Gwashi, a community within Bukkuyum Local Government Area. The youths prevented the deputy governor from entering the town, chanting the Hausa word “Bamayi” – meaning “We don’t want you” – and booing the official as he attempted to offer condolences following a recent bandit attack that claimed the lives of at least nine security personnel and several civilians.

The confrontation escalated to the point where the deputy governor and his security detail had to take cover, and the convoy was left stranded in the community while reinforcements were awaited.

Community grievances Residents of Gwashi have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of government attention to the area’s security situation. One community member explained that the last time a state delegation visited was during the 2023 election campaign, and since then no further visits had been made to address the growing insecurity. The community has endured periods of extreme insecurity, including a six‑day stretch during which residents could not leave the town to purchase essential items because security forces had stopped escorting people.

The residents also highlighted the absence of basic infrastructure: there is no access road, a functional hospital, or reliable drinking water supply, and the local secondary school is in a state of disrepair, with some reports suggesting that animals now use the premises for shelter.

Government response At the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the Zamfara state government regarding the incident. The deputy governor’s convoy remained in the community awaiting safe passage, and it was unclear how the situation would be resolved.

The incident underscores the mounting frustration in Bukkuyum LGA, which has been repeatedly targeted by banditry and has seen a high number of casualties in recent attacks. The protest in Gwashi reflects a broader pattern of local communities demanding more robust security measures and tangible development projects from the state administration.

Wider context The attack on the deputy governor’s convoy follows a series of violent incidents across Zamfara State, where banditry has claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians alike. The community’s reaction suggests a growing impatience with what residents perceive as inadequate protection and a lack of follow‑up on promises made by state officials.

The incident remains under investigation, and the state government has yet to release any official comments on the matter.