“BAMAYI!”: ZAMFARA DEPUTY GOV FORCED TO TAKE COVER AS YOUTHS PROTEST

Angry youths in Gwashi town, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday blocked the convoy of the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, during a condolence visit following a deadly bandit attack that killed at least 20 people, chanting “Bamayi” — Hausa for “We don’t want you.”

The Zamfara youths deputy governor convoy block incident has exposed the deep anger and frustration of rural communities over the government’s failure to protect them from persistent bandit attacks .

THE PROTEST

A video obtained by reporters shows scores of youths barricading the dusty entrance to the town’s market with wooden tables while chanting “Bamayi,” preventing the deputy governor’s convoy from entering the area .

The situation reportedly escalated as the youths became increasingly hostile, forcing the deputy governor and his security detail to take cover.

Residents said the community was angry that no government official visited or sympathised with them immediately after the attack, which claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel .

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“The people are angry. We lost nine security personnel and many innocent citizens. Nobody from government came when we were under attack and mourning our people. Now they are here, we don’t want them,” the residents said.

THE ATTACK

On October 11, 2026, gunmen ambushed a convoy of traders travelling from Gwashi district to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area under military escort.

At least 20 people were reportedly killed in the ambush, including four soldiers, three mobile police officers, one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and more than 12 civilians .

The attack also disrupted weekly market activities in Gurusu and Nasarawa, while residents accused notorious bandit leader Muhammad Gwaska of being responsible for the assault.

The incident was part of a particularly violent period in Zamfara State, which also witnessed attacks along the Dansadau road, where 12 vehicles were reportedly set ablaze, and the killing of vigilantes in Damba.

THE BROADER CONTEXT

Bukkuyum Local Government Area, where Gwashi is located, remains among the areas severely affected by persistent bandit attacks in Zamfara State .

The incident highlights growing frustration among rural communities over insecurity and the perceived failure of authorities to provide adequate protection outside the state capital, Gusau .

As of the time of the report, the Zamfara State Government had not issued an official statement regarding Sunday’s incident .

WHY IT MATTERS

The confrontation between the deputy governor and the youths is a powerful symbol of the breakdown of trust between the government and rural communities in Zamfara.

These are people who have lost loved ones to bandit attacks. They have waited for government officials to visit, to console them, to assure them that action is being taken.

When no one came, their grief turned to anger. And when the deputy governor finally arrived, days later, they rejected him.

The message is clear: the government has failed to protect them. And they have not forgotten.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the deputy governor and his entourage were reportedly stranded in the area, awaiting reinforcements to facilitate their safe departure .