Residents of Bindin and neighbouring communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the reported withdrawal of military personnel from the area following deadly attacks by bandits.

The protesters, including thousands of women dressed in hijabs, reportedly blocked an army convoy in an attempt to prevent soldiers from leaving the community.

The development followed attacks allegedly carried out by fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader Kachalla Gwaska Dankarami on Bindin and Gobirawar Chali communities.

Reports from the affected communities said several security personnel and civilians were killed in the attacks, while more than 10,000 residents were forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Residents, who expressed fears that the withdrawal of troops could expose them to further attacks, said the presence of the military remained critical to their survival.

"We cannot afford to lose the soldiers at this time. Their presence is the only thing giving us some sense of security,” one of the residents said.

Another resident appealed to the authorities to reconsider the reported decision to withdraw the troops, saying, “If the soldiers leave, who will protect us? We are already living in fear after what happened.”

The protesters were said to have insisted that the army convoy should not leave the area, amid concerns that bandits could take advantage of the security vacuum to attack more communities.

The attacks have reportedly triggered a fresh wave of displacement, with thousands of residents abandoning their homes and moving to safer locations.

The exact number of civilian casualties could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.

Residents called on the Federal Government and security authorities to maintain adequate troops in the affected communities and intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

They also urged the authorities to provide urgent assistance to displaced residents, many of whom have reportedly fled with little or no belongings. (The PUNCH)