Over 100 Zamfara villages deserted due to banditry, urgent need for official IDP camps

From John Bassey

More than 100 villages in Zamfara State have been deserted due to relentless banditry, displacing over 300,000 people, yet the state government has not established official Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

Previously operational camps in Gusau, Anka, Maradun, and Mada were closed, leaving IDPs to fend for themselves. Many squat with relatives or sleep in unfinished buildings, motor parks, or open spaces.

Some resort to begging or menial jobs to survive, while Gusau and other towns face overpopulation from rural-urban migration driven by insecurity.

Senior state officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed no official IDP camps exist in Tsafe, Mada, Zurmi, or Tsunami towns. During the 2025 Ramadan, the government and donors provided food and cash to IDPs, but officials urged the state to create official camps urgently to address the crisis.

Deserted villages span multiple local government areas (LGAs):

Zurmi LGA: Gidan Labbo, Tsakauna, Dogon-hako, Gidan-duwan, Jididi, Asako, Gidan-oho, Dunnu, Gwamawa, Gidan-Labbobuzu, Marmaro, Takalmawa, Tukurawa, Sangamawa, Tataka, Gidan-Galasima, Gidan-zago, Kada-mutsa, Holuwai, Makosa, Judidi, Geza, Rinni, Dadan.

Tsafe LGA: Munhaye, Dutsin Kura, Kekawa, Yarzaiga, Sabon Birnin Nakaka, Unguwar Gyauro, Matso-Matso, Magazawa, Kawasari, Bare-bari, Turba-Kucheri, Marne, Maidagalo, Yar-tsakuwar Garkuwa, Kofar Fada, Sansami, Dankutau.

Maru LGA: Madada, Bingi, Dandalla, Babbar Doka, Kabaro, Sangeku, Danmani, Kunjemi, Karauci, Gajeren Kauye, Saulawa, Randa, Kango, Balge, Gobirawan cali, Gidan Ardo, Bulakke, Kilin.

Anka LGA: Rafin Danya, Barayar Zaki, Rafin Gero, Karfa Bawar Daji, Sunka, Tungar Kudaku, Matseri, Dankalgo, Matsafa, Nassarawa, Kawaye.

Maradun LGA: Aljimma, Gwargawo, Kuzi, Ruwan Bado, Magamin Diddi, Garka, Saurar Kade, Damaga, Asarara, Burmi Gidan Adamu, Gidan Maidawa, Gidan Baushi, Wari.

Talata-Mafara LGA: Ruwan Jema, Ruwan Gora, Dankalgo, Ruwan Gizo.

Gusau LGA: Madaro, Kungurmi, Dandindin, Burwaye, Burnai, Fankarfe, Dadin Zama, Bakin Dutsi, Tungar Kudi, Ruwan Mesa, Koli, Buzaye, Tungar Raƙumi, Rijiya, Ƙwarya Tsugunne.