Social media post by Ibrahim Tudu, pioneer Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Zamfara State Chapter, a statement issued on the matter condemned the alleged involvement of an army driver in the tragedy and described the response so far as unacceptable.
According to accounts circulating in Gusau, Malama Zainab lost her life in an incident allegedly involving a vehicle driven by a personnel of the Nigerian Army. Details of the exact circumstances remain under public discussion, but the lack of an official statement from military authorities or the state government has heightened frustration among residents.
Ibrahim Tudu said more than 48 hours have passed without any word from the military command or the Zamfara State Government regarding the tragic incident.
He described the situation as negligence and recklessness that can no longer be tolerated.
"This type of negligence and recklessness is no longer acceptable and is totally condemnable. We demand justice and accountability for Malama Zainab," the statement said.
The author stressed that basic standards of humanity require that anyone involved in an accident must attend to the victim, offer first aid, and ensure urgent medical attention.
"Humanity demands you attend to your victim, offer first aid assistance and rush to the hospital for emergencies," he stated.
He added that abandoning a victim at the scene, whether injured, unconscious or dead, reflects a serious breakdown of discipline and responsibility.
"But leaving your victim behind or in a pool of blood or unconscious or dead shows a high level of indiscipline, irresponsibility and murderous intent," he said.
The statement called on authorities to break their silence and inform the public of what transpired and what steps are being taken.
"No one is above the law. The public demands to know the truth and the action taken. Silence as with other incidents is no longer acceptable. The perpetrators must be punished. Justice must take its course," Tudu said.
He further linked the incident to broader concerns about security and safety in both rural and urban areas.
"We can't be killed in the villages and also be killed in the city on the road by randy officers that are supposed to protect us," he said, concluding with a prayer: "Allah ya jikanta, ameen."
Since news of Malama Zainab’s death spread in Gusau, teachers, students, women groups, and residents have expressed grief and anger. Many described her as a member of the community whose life was cut short in circumstances that should have been prevented.
Civil society actors in the state have echoed the call for an immediate investigation, saying the case must not be allowed to fade without action. They argue that members of the security forces, like all citizens, must be held accountable when the law is breached.
The absence of an official update from the Nigerian Army and the Zamfara State Government has left many families and advocacy groups asking the same questions: who was involved, what led to the incident, and what disciplinary or legal measures will follow.
Rights advocates say the case reflects a wider demand for accountability in cases involving security personnel and civilians. They note that trust between the public and security agencies depends on transparency, swift investigations, and visible consequences when misconduct occurs.
Stakeholders are urging the Army Headquarters and the Zamfara State Government to immediately launch an independent probe, make findings public, and ensure that those found culpable face prosecution in line with the law.
