In Zamfara State, the phrase “Farming is our pride” reflects the significance of agriculture to over 90% of the population, who rely on it for sustenance.
Known as the food basket of the nation, Zamfara has historically been a major producer of both cash and food crops.
However, since the emergence of banditry in 2009, escalating in 2012, farming has been severely disrupted in rural areas where bandits have taken control.
Many rural dwellers, who depend on farming for survival, have been forced to flee to urban areas or pay levies to the bandits to avoid attacks.
Reports indicate that over 200 villages have been abandoned as residents couldn’t withstand bandit assaults, bringing farming to a standstill.
Farmlands have now become grazing areas for bandits’ animals, highlighting the dire situation faced by communities like Dada in Zurmi LGA.
Various regions including Zurmi, Dadan Tsafe, Maru, Anka, Maradun, Talata-Mafara, and Gusau have been significantly impacted, with farming activities severely hampered by bandit control.
Efforts are being made by the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, to restore security and encourage farmers to return to their lands.
The government has collaborated with security agencies to address the banditry menace, emphasizing that there will be no negotiations with the bandits, as the focus is on restoring peace and security in the state.
The government’s stance is firm in dealing with the bandits, with assurances from the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, that security will be restored through decisive actions.
Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration is committed to confronting the bandits and ensuring a safe environment for farmers and all residents in Zamfara State.