Residents said the mass exodus began after troops, who had been stationed in the area for over seven years, were suddenly evacuated late at night, leaving communities vulnerable to renewed bandit attacks.

A resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said fear spread quickly after the departure of the security personnel.

“We fled because we are afraid of imminent attacks by bandits. The troops have been our only protection,” he said.

According to him, the soldiers were first deployed to the village in June 2019 by former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, shortly after he assumed office.

“The troops stayed here for over seven years. There were more than 60 personnel from different security agencies. Their presence kept us safe,” he added.

He revealed that the troops were withdrawn around 10 p.m., with two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a Toyota Hilux used to evacuate them.

“One of the security officers told me they were pulled out due to fears of ambush, especially as the rainy season begins. The river around the village makes access difficult, and reinforcement is nearly impossible,” he explained.

He recalled that during the previous rainy season, troops in the area were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of six personnel after reinforcements failed to arrive on time due to poor road conditions.

The resident further disclosed that over 30 communities across the Mada axis—stretching from Lilo to Gusami Gora and up to Birnin Magaji—had previously relocated to Lilo for safety, relying on the military presence for protection.

“We are surrounded by bandit camps. Some are less than three kilometres from this village, and some even occupy our farmlands,” he said.

He added that the relationship between residents and the troops had been cordial, with communities providing daily support to the personnel.

“We supported them with food, firewood, water, and even farmland. We cultivated and harvested crops for them. During festive periods, we contributed to provide animals for celebrations,” he said.

He stressed that the collaboration between residents and security forces had ensured relative peace in the area for years.

“For over seven years, there were no informants or bandit collaborators here. That is why we are now at risk—they see us as enemies for refusing to cooperate with them,” he said.

The source warned that remaining in the village without security protection could be disastrous.

“If the bandits attack, they will burn people alive and destroy the entire village. That is why we have no choice but to leave,” he said.

He also revealed that displaced residents were heading toward Gusau, the state capital, despite efforts by authorities to redirect them to nearby Keita or Kwatarkwashi.

“The district head insists we must reach the capital so the government can respond quickly to our situation,” he said.

When contacted, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the development.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, had taken swift action.

“We immediately deployed a police tactical team with support from two Armoured Personnel Carriers to the area,” he said.

He added that normalcy had been restored following the intervention.

“With the presence of our personnel, calm has returned to the area,” Abubakar stated. (Daily Trust)