Residents of Zamfara State on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Government House in Gusau, demanding urgent action from Governor Dauda Lawal to end killings and kidnappings by bandits.

The protesters, who came from Ruwan Bore, Mada, Wonaka, Fegin Mahe, and Kanawa villages in Gusau Local Government Area, said they could no longer cope with the persistent attacks forcing many to abandon their homes and farmlands.

Speaking to journalists, the leader of the protesters, Malam Ibrahim, said thousands of the inhabitants of the villages have fled to other places due to insecurity challenges.

He added that farming activities had been paralysed, with the criminals allegedly imposing levies on farmers.

The protesters have vowed to continue staying at the government house gate until their demands are met.

Governor Dauda Lawal was reportedly out of the state during the protest, while his deputy, Malam Mani Mummuni, declined to speak to the press despite repeated efforts.