Gidan Taba Massacre: Bakyasuwa Demands Urgent Security Action

By Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

The House of Representatives candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Bakyasuwa, has condemned the attack on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area, where 12 people were reportedly burnt to death and several others abducted by armed bandits.

Bakyasuwa, in a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, described the attack as barbaric and inhumane, blaming Governor Dauda Lawal and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for what he called their failure to address the worsening security situation in the state.

The former Director of Security Matters in the Zamfara State Government and immediate past Commandant of the state’s Anti-Thuggery Agency said the killings reflected the deteriorating security situation and the failure of governments at both federal and state levels to adequately protect lives and property.

He expressed concern that residents, particularly farmers and traders, could no longer go about their daily activities freely because of attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.

“This is very unfortunate. Insecurity remains a major challenge in Zamfara and other states in northern Nigeria,” he said.

Bakyasuwa lamented that farmers could no longer access their farmlands and traders were increasingly afraid to visit markets, while political leaders were preoccupied with campaigns and other political activities.

He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s lack of concern for communities affected by repeated attacks.

The APM candidate extended his condolences to the people of Gidan Taba and families of the victims, praying Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the losses.

He said his decision to contest the Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election was motivated by his desire to contribute to addressing insecurity at the grassroots.

“If elected, security will be my top priority through peace-building, education and economic empowerment,” he said.

He also showed dismayed over how Sokoto – Gusau highway turned to trapped of bandits which claimed many lives of innocent commuters including security personnel.

“It’s disheartening to corpses of security personnel ambushed by illiterate despite the struggle to maintain the little security personnel we have. See how five brave police officers were ambushed at Gidan kano in Maradun Local Government Area. Bakyasuwa lamented.

Bakyasuwa also accused Governor Lawal of failing to fulfil promises made during the 2023 election campaign to improve security in the state.

He further criticised Matawalle, who hails from Maradun Local Government Area, accusing him of not demonstrating sufficient commitment to tackling insecurity in his home state despite serving as Minister of State for Defence.

“As Minister of State for Defence from Zamfara, particularly from Maradun Local Government Area, unfortunately, he is doing nothing to protect his people,” he said.

He called on the federal and state governments to take urgent measures to protect residents and prevent further attacks on communities across Zamfara.