Is The Food Blockade Against Bandits Really Working As Residents Cry Out For Help In Zamfara?

Residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State have cried out for help with the triple whammy of bandits' siege, food shortage and government blockade.

A resident, who took a dangerous journey to Sokoto to get a connection, told BBC Hausa that bandits have denied them access to their ripe crops and the government's policy of closing markets has stopped them from getting food from the market. He said even when they try to get the basics, bandits confiscate them or raid shops as soon as anything arrives. Meanwhile, attacks continue in the absence of security forces from the Local Government Area.

Recall that a few weeks ago, the federal government shutdown telecommunication networks in some local government areas of Zamfara State to combat bandits in the areas. The state government also ordered the closure of some markets suspected to be bandits' logistics source. 

In my opinion, the government blockade against armed bandits in Zamfara State is not yielding positive outcomes. Innocent civilians are feeling the pain more than the targeted bandits. 

It's clear that no security efforts are being taken to eliminate the criminal gangs and simply plunging people into famine can't be a solution. 

A huge humanitarian disaster is looming, and if the government doesn't act fast, people will start slumping and dying of hunger. Children will bear the brunt. 

The federal and state governments must review their policies in Zamfara State as soon as possible to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis in the state. 

Photo credit: Peoples Gazette

Content created and supplied by: Worldfashion (via Opera News )