CAMWATCH Urges Immediate Action on Escalating Banditry in Anka

The Coalition of Anka Media Watch (CAMWATCH) has issued an urgent plea to the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare, to address the escalating crisis of banditry in Anka Local Government Area.

In a statement signed and issued to The Spectacles by the Chairman, CAMWATCH, Hamza Adamu Anka, said the persistent and brutal attacks by bandits have left a trail of devastation, with numerous lives lost, thousands rendered homeless, and countless others plunged into severe poverty.

CAMWATCH reports that bandits have audaciously prevented communities from accessing their farmlands, demanding exorbitant sums for safe passage that often do not guarantee safety. Thousands of hectares of arable land now lie fallow as the rainy season progresses, with bandits patrolling to ensure farmers are barred from their livelihoods. On May 24, 2024, a person was ambushed and killed near the Hayin Banki area of Dangaladima ward in Anka town, highlighting the dire situation.

In addition to blocking access to farmland, bandits have targeted roads leading to Anka, killing and kidnapping travelers. On June 7, 2024, a businessman named Mal. Bello was kidnapped on his way home from the market, with a ransom of ten million naira (₦10,000,000) demanded. Families plunged into poverty face no guarantee of their loved ones’ safety, as illustrated by the June 18, 2024, kidnapping and subsequent killing of a boy around Danbarmo area of Magaji ward, despite ransom payment.

The situation further deteriorated on June 20, 2024, when unknown bandits entered the ancient city of Anka near the Emir’s palace and rustled cattle. That same day, an Igbo businessman named Sunday was kidnapped. On June 21, 2024, bandits kidnapped two married women and one lady from the same family in the Galadunci area, releasing one woman and her child but taking the others. The attacks continued with the June 25, 2024, assault on Gadar Manya village, resulting in the deaths of five citizens and numerous injuries.

CAMWATCH highlights a coordinated and sophisticated assault on the people of Anka, endangering their lives and livelihoods. The coalition calls on President Tinubu, Governor Lawal Dare, Senator Dr. Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, Honourable Alhaji Isah Mamman Anka, and Hon. Rilwanu Nagambo to urgently assist the beleaguered community.

Despite commendable efforts by the Nigerian Military, Police, and Askarawan Zamfara, CAMWATCH emphasizes the need for increased support from political leaders to enhance the capacity of the armed forces to eliminate the bandit threat. The coalition urges the establishment of state checkpoints at key locations and improved collaboration between various security agencies to patrol Anka metropolis effectively.

CAMWATCH remains hopeful that swift and decisive government action will restore peace and security, allowing the people of Anka to live without fear and utilize the remaining rainy season productively.