Armed robbers have invaded Gusau, the Zamfara State capital and its environs, leaving unconfirmed number of people dead within the last two weeks.
The invasion has forced residents to reduce travelling for fear of attack by the robbers who operate in groups.
Daily Trust investigations showed that within 24 days more than 12 people were killed by the robbers, while another number were injured and currently receiving medical treatment at various health institutions across the state.
Investigations also revealed that the robbery cases in the state had gone to the extent that one cannot carry more than N2,000 during the day time.
Recently, armed robbers attacked the former majority leader of the defunct Sokoto State during the second republic, Alhaji Muhammad Yakubu Maru, along Maru-Mayanchi road.
He was beaten to a coma and ended up being disabled as the robbers deprived him of his belongings including a Mercedes Benz car which they opened fire on.
Also, along Kaura-Namoda Shinkafi road, several robbers cases took place resulting in the loss of lives and property as there was no police to rescue them.
The robbery also extended as far as Dansadau where six people were allegedly killed in the attacks.
Investigations further indicated that the robbers may likely move their operations to the western part of the state, where the famous Talata-Mafara central market is located.
Many people who spoke to our correspondent expressed dismay over the inability of the police to check the rampant robbery cases in the state.
Residents are of the opinion that time has come for the authority to allow jungle justice for robbery suspects “because we have to protect ourselves if the police cannot protect us,” one businessman who did not want his name in print told our reporter.
According to him, community vigilantes are courageous and better than the police in Zamfara, saying they recently caught two robbery suspects and handed them over to the police “and we don’t have guns or knives at our disposal.”
When contacted, the state commissioner of police, Alhaji Ibrahim P. Machi, said efforts are being made to ensure that the state is rid of robbers.
Alhaji Ibrahim Machi also appealed to the public to always assist the police by providing genuine information.
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