…allege neglect of community since 2023 election, vow not to vote for his party in 2027
Angry youths, on Sunday, booed the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Mani Mummuni, attacking his convoy in Gwashi community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred when the deputy governor visited the community on a condolence visit following last week’s attack in which nine security personnel and civilians were killed.
According to a resident, who pleaded anonymity, the community was angry with the deputy governor and the state government over the security challenges in the area said to be one of the largest political wards in the local government.
He said, “The last time they visited us was more than three years ago; they visited us during the 2023 election campaign. Since then, neither the deputy governor nor any state government delegation has visited us to show concern about our growing security challenges.
“Today, we have shown the world the situation we are in. We have expressed our grievances on several occasions, but no action has been taken to address insecurity and the lack of development projects.”
The resident added that following the bandits’ attacks, residents of the community spent six consecutive days indoors without going out to purchase essential items.
“We spent six to seven days without leaving our community. Security personnel stopped escorting people, and nobody could risk his life by going out. If we spend more days like that, believe me, even salt will become unavailable,” he said.
He also lamented the lack of basic amenities in the community.
“We do not have an access road, a good hospital or portable drinking water. Our school buildings are dilapidated,” he said.
Another resident, who also spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the secondary school in the community had deteriorated to the extent that animals now use the premises for shelter.
He said women, children, youths and elderly residents came out to express their grievances to the deputy governor and demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the administration.
“We came out in large numbers, with women, children, youths and elderly people booing the deputy governor and chanting ‘Bamayi, Bamayi’ [we will not]. We know he came to canvass for votes, and we will not vote for them,” he said.
The resident further alleged that the angry youths attacked the deputy governor’s convoy.
“Even the deputy governor narrowly escaped, and a vehicle was destroyed,” he claimed.
However, a member of the deputy governor’s entourage, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, denied that the convoy was attacked.
He said the protesters were around the market area while the deputy governor’s gathering took place near the community’s hospital.
“What they are saying is not true. We were in an entirely different location, and the car they claimed was destroyed was a security vehicle that developed a mechanical fault. It was later towed away,” he said.
It was gathered from another source told that the deputy governor was escorted by many security personnel who blocked people from accessing the venue where he addressed some persons on the issue of insecurity.
He said, “Massive deployment of security personnel prevented people from getting close enough to register their grievances. However, we booed the deputy governor and stoned the convoy.
“Even the deputy governor narrowly escaped because the youths were angry over the lack of government concern and intervention.”
