The Zamfara State government has announced it is investigating allegations against the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZSCPG), commonly referred to as Askawan Zamfara, over claims that its operatives have overstepped their bounds in enforcing security measures in the region.
The probe was initiated following accusations by residents of Tsafe Local Government Area, who alleged that the ZSCPG, particularly its operatives in Tsafe, had engaged in actions that led to the death of family members under their custody. The relatives of the victims allege that ZSCPG personnel not only detained their kin but also subjected them to severe mistreatment that resulted in fatalities.
One case gaining attention involves a young man named Hamza, who, according to his relatives, was killed while in ZSCPG custody. Hamza’s brother recounted that the young man had gone to his farm in Tsafe, where he regularly stayed to safeguard his crops. Reportedly, Hamza had expressed frustration about damage being done to his farm and warned those responsible that he would report them to local authorities. The relatives claim that the women he confronted about the issue were the wives of ZSCPG members, who, in turn, accused him of theft and summoned their husbands.
Following these accusations, ZSCPG operatives allegedly apprehended Hamza, took him to their office, and subjected him to a violent beating. “They beat him so severely that he was bleeding,” recounted a cousin of the deceased, who claimed Hamza was left in a critical condition before he ultimately passed away.
This is reportedly not the first such incident in the Tsafe area. Recently, another local resident allegedly lost his life while under the custody of ZSCPG personnel, raising community concerns about the conduct of these operatives.
In response, residents are appealing to Zamfara State authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty of misconduct face appropriate punishment. They argue that this is necessary to prevent further cases of alleged abuse by the ZSCPG and to restore public confidence in local security measures.
The Zamfara State government, in an official statement to the press, affirmed its commitment to uncovering the truth. While no conclusive action has been taken, officials stressed that a full investigation will be conducted to assess the allegations and uphold justice if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
