A group, the Northern Emancipation Network has lamented that terrorist groups in Zamfara state have completely overrun the popular Shinkafi Market in the state.
The group in a statement issued Monday by its Secretary General, Sulaiman Abbah, said killers and other criminals appear to have sensed a paralysing vacuum at the highest levels of leadership in the State since the inception of the new government, saying they have grown in confidence and acquired more competence in subverting the State and peoples security.
Against this background, the group called on the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal to leave Abuja and return to the state to face governance.
The group was of the opinion that the governor does not appear interested in seeking answers to the challenges of security to which the state was exposed, adding that the people continue to live and die under the dictates of killers, kidnappers, rapists and sundry criminal groups that have in recent times, deprived them of the rights to live in peace and security.
It stated: “Zamfara is once again becoming a safe haven for different terrorist groups, downplaying the description of criminal elements in the region as bandits.”
“The people of Zamfara have shed enough tears and blood in the last three weeks without appropriate response from those with responsibilities to protect them.
“The group added that villages are being emptied as hundreds of people, due to constant attacks, are relocating to the already congested urban areas of the state and deepening poverty.
It said: “For the very first time ever, the popular Shinkafi market had been completely overrun by criminal attackers and all activities crippled and deserted.
“The group called on the governor to end the unnecessary gallivanting in Abuja and to work for the security of the people who elected and entrusted their lives and future in his care.
It noted that Zamfara people did not vote for the governor to go about chasing shadows by fighting over vehicles and other individuals’ property but to work to improve their condition.
