Nigerians protest civilian killings in NW state

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - A violent protest on Monday erupted in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara state over unabated killings by armed gangs, local media reported.

The protesters chanted anti-government slogans and called for an action to end the killings that have ravaged the state since the beginning of the year.

Zamfara has recorded hundreds of casualties in attacks launched by armed gangs believed to be cattle thieves, precipitating heavy security deployments in the area.

The protest broke out in Tsafe local government area of the state, hours after police confirmed 17 persons murdered in a fresh attack in Magami village under Faru District of Maradun local government.

“We have been pushed to the wall and we just have to express our anger by coming to the streets. We have tried to be peaceful but some protesters have blocked major roads to send a strong signal to the government,” Samaila Dabo, a resident of the local council, told Anadolu Agency by phone.

“People are just being killed like chicken. We don't sleep anymore because these bandits will come at night and start killing people. They abduct people for ransom and government seems to have given up,” Dabo added.

According to Premium Times, a local news outlet, the headquarters of the Tsafe local government was set on fire by the protesters.

The police are yet to respond to requests for comments on the protest.

In a statement, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killing of civilians in different parts of the state.

“These horrendous acts of violence are crimes against humanity. This violence must stop," Buhari added.

The Amnesty International said the killings in Zamfara has exposed government's failure to protect human lives and properties.

“Our findings show that at least 50 people have been killed in Birnin Magaji, Maradun and Tsafe local government areas in two weeks, as rampaging gunmen murder and maim rural communities,” the rights body said in a Twitter post.

“At least 1,700 have been displaced in Tsafe local government area alone. This is unacceptable and must end,” it added.