A House of Representatives member from Zamfara State, widely reported as Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu, narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after an angry crowd in Dansadau town, Maru Local Government Area, descended on him over allegations of poor performance and neglect of his constituents.
According to eyewitnesses and viral footage circulating online, the lawmaker was physically assaulted — slapped, manhandled, and dragged — by a crowd of enraged residents who accused him of failing to deliver on promises since his election.
Videos of the incident — widely shared on social media — show youths surrounding the federal lawmaker and security personnel struggling to shield him from further harm before he was evacuated.
What Happened
The confrontation reportedly occurred during a community visit by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal when local youths began expressing their frustration with their federal representative’s performance.
Despite the presence of armed security personnel, the mob briefly overwhelmed them, forcing officers to defend the lawmaker and escort him to safety into a waiting vehicle.
In the footage, residents can be heard chanting “bamayi” — a Hausa expression of anger and rejection — as they confronted the embattled legislator.
Allegations and Public Grievances
Eyewitness accounts and commentary suggest the attack was triggered by:
- Accusations of poor performance and failure to deliver tangible development projects since assuming office.
- Perceived absence from the constituency and minimal engagement with community needs.
- Deep public frustration with political leadership and unmet expectations.
These sentiments were reflected in the viral video and online reactions, where residents openly criticized the representative’s performance.
Note: While major media outlets have not yet released an official statement naming the attacked lawmaker, Zubairu is the current federal representative for the Bungudu/Maru Constituency in Zamfara — the area where the incident occurred — and is widely mentioned in local discussions as the likely target.
Official Response and Identity
As of this report:
- No official statement has been released by the Zamfara State Police Command regarding arrests or investigations.
- The House of Representatives has also not yet publicly commented on the incident.
- The identity of the assaulted lawmaker has not been formally confirmed by national press at this time, though local sources identify him as Abdulmalik Zubairu.
Public Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with many Nigerians offering mixed reactions — some supporting constituents’ frustrations over governance issues, while others condemned the use of violence.
This violent confrontation highlights growing dissatisfaction among constituents in parts of northern Nigeria, where citizens increasingly demand accountability and delivery of promised development from their elected officials — a sentiment that may influence political discourse ahead of future elections.
