Lilo community in Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area has been deserted, along with more than 30 neighbouring villages, following the sudden withdrawal of troops that had provided security cover in the area for over seven years.
The development triggered panic across the axis, forcing residents to flee their homes overnight amid fears of renewed bandit attacks after the security presence was withdrawn late at night.
A resident of Lilo, who spoke anonymously, said the evacuation of troops immediately changed the security situation in the area.
“We fled because we fear imminent attacks. The soldiers were our only line of protection,” he said.
He explained that the troops had been stationed in the area since June 2019 under the administration of former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, and had maintained relative peace throughout their deployment.
“There were over 60 personnel drawn from different security agencies. Their presence ensured relative peace,” he added.
According to him, the soldiers were withdrawn around 10 p.m. using two Armoured Personnel Carriers and a Toyota Hilux, in what residents described as a sudden and unexpected evacuation.
One of the security personnel reportedly cited operational concerns for the withdrawal, including the risk of ambush during the rainy season and difficult terrain that could delay reinforcement.
“The river around the village makes access very difficult. During the rains, backup cannot reach the area quickly,” the resident said, relaying what he was told.
He recalled that during the previous rainy season, six security personnel were killed in an ambush after reinforcements failed to arrive on time due to impassable roads.
The source further disclosed that over 30 surrounding communities across the Mada axis had earlier relocated to Lilo for protection, relying heavily on the military presence due to the proximity of suspected bandit camps.
“Some of these camps are less than three kilometres away, and in some cases, they occupy our farmlands,” he said.
He added that the relationship between residents and the troops had been cooperative over the years, with villagers providing logistical support to sustain their presence.
“Our cooperation helped maintain peace for years. We supported them with food, water, firewood, and even farm produce,” he said.
He warned that the absence of security cover now exposes the communities to grave danger.
“If bandits attack, they will burn homes and kill people. That is why everyone had to leave,” he said.
He also said displaced residents were moving toward Gusau, the state capital, despite attempts by local authorities to redirect them to nearby safer communities such as Keita and Kwatarkwashi.
“The district head insists that going to the capital will ensure quicker government response,” he added.
Confirming the development, the Zamfara State Police Command said it had swiftly deployed security personnel to the affected area.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, ordered the immediate deployment of a tactical team supported by Armoured Personnel Carriers.
“We immediately deployed our personnel to the area,” he said.
He added that the swift response had helped restore calm.
“With the presence of our men on ground, normalcy has returned,” he stated.
