Tensions flared in Zamfara State on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as furious youths in Dansadau town confronted and attacked their representative in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Kabiru Mikailu. The lawmaker, who represents Maru South Constituency, was accused of abandoning his people and failing in his duties.
Confrontation During Governor's Visit
The incident occurred while Mikailu was accompanying Governor Dauda Lawal on an official visit to Dansadau in Maru Local Government Area. The governor was there to flag off the reconstruction of the crucial over 90-kilometre Dansadau–Gusau road. However, the event was overshadowed by the anger of constituents who seized the moment to voice their grievances directly at their assembly member.
According to eyewitness reports, residents surrounded the lawmaker, levelling serious allegations of neglect. They claimed that since his election, Mikailu had rarely visited the constituency to engage with the people or address their pressing concerns.
Specific Allegations of Neglect
The protesters presented a litany of complaints against the embattled lawmaker. Key among them was the accusation that he consistently failed to attend major community events, including important Sallah celebrations, which are significant for fostering unity and representation.
More critically, the community accused him of turning his back on them in their most desperate hour. They alleged that Mikailu did not visit families traumatized and displaced by repeated bandit attacks in the area to offer condolences or support. This perceived insensitivity in a region ravaged by insecurity particularly incensed the youths.
The situation grew increasingly volatile, threatening to disrupt the governor's program. It took the swift intervention of security operatives to de-escalate the confrontation, restore calm, and prevent any physical harm or further escalation of violence.
Governor's Response and Broader Political Context
Amid the unrest, Governor Dauda Lawal proceeded with his official engagements. In an effort to address some of the community's underlying frustrations, he announced additional development projects for Dansadau. These included the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the General Hospital in the town and plans to provide solar-powered electricity to improve living conditions.
The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to restoring security, rebuilding infrastructure, and improving welfare across communities affected by banditry. During the visit, the Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Garba Muhammad (Sarkin Kudu Dansadau), conferred the traditional title of Garkuwan Dansadau on Governor Lawal.
This local crisis unfolds against a backdrop of significant political pressure on Governor Lawal himself. He faces calls for his resignation after a viral video showed him admitting knowledge of bandit hideouts. Additionally, there are reports of lawmakers considering a probe into his handling of security votes, and speculation about defections from his party, the PDP, to the APC, which could weaken his position in the state assembly.
The attack on Kabiru Mikailu underscores the deep-seated frustrations of citizens in Nigeria's northwest, where poor governance and relentless insecurity often intersect, leading to public outbursts against elected officials perceived as absent or ineffective.
