Armed Bandits Block Gusau-Funtua Highway
In a brazen attack early this morning, armed bandits have blocked the busy Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State, abducting an unspecified number of road users. The incident, which has left many travelers stranded, occurred around the Tazame axis of the road.
Yusuf Tsafe, a commuter who remains stranded in the area, told Channels Television that the bandits stormed the highway around 7 a.m., setting up a roadblock. According to Tsafe, the attackers arrived in large numbers, with around 50 motorcycles, each carrying three armed men. He reported that the bandits abducted several travelers and were seen taking them into the nearby bush.
“They entered the road around 7 a.m., and until 9 a.m., they were still there. We are just parked by the roadside, waiting for the military to clear the road. We saw the bandits taking people inside the bush,” Tsafe stated.
The military responded swiftly, deploying a guntruck to the area, and gunshots could be heard from the scene. However, as of the last report, the road remains blocked, and no vehicles have been allowed to pass through. Another commuter confirmed to Channels Television that the alternative Magazu-Kucheri road, which also links Gusau to Funtua, has also been blocked by bandits this morning.
“The military men asked us to stop because the bandits blocked the road; we are still waiting for them to clear the road,” the commuter said.
In response to the attack, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, announced that additional troops, including operatives from the Nigerian Police Mobile Squad, have been deployed to the affected areas to clear the road and restore order.
As the situation unfolds, the exact number of abducted travelers remains unknown, and the security forces are working to contain the threat and reopen the highway. Commuters are advised to exercise caution and avoid the affected routes until the area is secured.
This latest incident underscores the growing insecurity in Zamfara State, which has seen a surge in bandit activities over recent months. The Gusau-Funtua highway, a vital route for travelers and traders, has been particularly targeted by armed groups, raising concerns about the safety of commuters and the impact on economic activities in the region.
The Zamfara State government, in coordination with federal security agencies, has been working to combat banditry and restore peace. Efforts have included deploying additional military forces, enhancing intelligence gathering, and engaging with local communities to gather crucial information on the activities of these criminal groups. However, the persistence of such attacks suggests that more needs to be done to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
In light of the recent abductions, there are growing calls from citizens, civil society organizations, and community leaders for the government to implement more robust security measures. This includes increasing the presence of security personnel along major highways, improving response times to incidents, and enhancing collaboration between state and local authorities to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to threats.
The frequent attacks by bandits have had a profound impact on local communities. Many residents live in constant fear, and the disruptions on major roads have affected trade and economic activities, particularly in agrarian areas dependent on the safe transport of goods. The continued instability also discourages investment and threatens to further undermine development efforts in Zamfara and surrounding states.
While waiting for a comprehensive government response, some communities are taking proactive steps to protect themselves. Local vigilante groups have been formed to monitor suspicious activities and assist law enforcement agencies. However, there are concerns about the potential for abuses and the need to ensure these groups operate within the bounds of the law.
The blockage of the Gusau-Funtua highway and the abduction of travelers highlight the urgent need for sustained and comprehensive action against banditry in Zamfara State. As security forces continue their efforts to clear the road and rescue those abducted, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, and local communities, to work together to restore safety and peace. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay updated on security developments and exercise caution.
