In a dramatic expression of frustration, irate residents of Maru town in Zamfara State set ablaze a section of the palace of the Emir of Maru on Thursday. The incident followed a peaceful protest by youths against the recent abduction of 10 people by terrorists, which was disrupted by security operatives.
According to sources, the protest was sparked by a terrorist attack in the early hours of Wednesday, during which bandits stormed the town, firing sporadically and kidnapping the Chief Imam of Maru Central Mosque, Alhaji Salisu Suleman, along with his two wives and seven children.
“The bandits abducted the Imam and nine other family members during the attack,” a community source told journalists.
The youths, angered by the government’s perceived failure to protect them, took to the streets to demand immediate intervention. They blocked the Sokoto-Gusau highway, disrupting vehicular movement, before security operatives intervened to disperse the protest.
In a fit of rage, the protesters stormed the Emir’s palace and set fire to a part of the building, symbolizing their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the insecurity crisis.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed flames engulfing a section of the palace, with a voice in the background saying, “This is a fire outbreak in the Emir’s palace.”
The incident underscores the growing desperation and frustration among residents of Zamfara State, who have endured relentless attacks by bandits and terrorists. Many have criticized the state government for its inability to curb the violence and protect citizens.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, did not respond to repeated calls or text messages seeking clarification on the incident.
This latest development highlights the urgent need for decisive action to address the insecurity plaguing Zamfara State and restore peace to the region.
