Yandoto residents blame Zamfara Governor Dauda after mosque massacre

The people of Yandoto in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have accused Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to protect their community following Friday’s bandit attack on worshippers during morning prayers.

In a statement on Saturday, community spokesman, Mallam Musa Tsafe, described the scene as a bloodbath.

“Bodies lay lifeless where they fell. Screams echoed through the mosque as terrified worshippers scrambled for safety. Children watched as their fathers and uncles were dragged away, while blood stained the prayer mats,” he said.

Musa lamented that the killings were proof that Governor Lawal had failed to secure the state.

“He stood before the people and promised security and salvation, but today those promises lie buried in the graves of our loved ones. His so-called security strategy has collapsed. Zamfara bleeds while its governor looks away,” he declared.

He alleged that despite repeated killings, abductions and attacks across Zamfara, the governor had not shown genuine concern for the victims.

“Not once has he come down to consult us or even send his representatives to stand by us. The little relief reaching us comes from the federal government, while the state governor remains silent and inactive. His absence is as painful as the violence itself,” he added.

The community listed demands, including urgent deployment of security forces, a transparent investigation into how armed men infiltrated the mosque, emergency medical care and relief for survivors, and accountability for security lapses.

“Words of condolence are meaningless without action. What Zamfara needs is soldiers, protection and leadership — not empty statements,” Musa stressed.

The Yandoto attack is the latest in a wave of assaults on Zamfara communities, with worship centres and schools increasingly targeted by armed groups.