Unveiling the ‘Yan Shara’ (Local Community Cult Group): Rising Crime in Nasarawa State

– Zubairu Rajab & Abubakar Olose

Introduction

Keffi town, a once peaceful and tight-knit community,in Nassarawa state has recently been grappling with a surge in criminal activities, primarily perpetrated by local bandits. These incidents have sparked concerns among residents and highlight the pressing need to address this growing menace. Over the past few years, Keffi town has experienced a noticeable increase in local community banditry – a type of criminal activity typically characterized by armed attacks on individuals, and sometimes even households. The history of ‘Yan Shara’ started as a normal area boys group, whereby boys from one area align with each other to compete with boys from another area. The competition was usually a healthy one, basically on social activities.

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Initially, the two groups worked together harmoniously as young hunters venturing into the forests for sport. Conflicts arose over the sharing of resources, leading to division and rivalry even when each group decided to operate independently. As the older generation retired, the crisis was passed on to the younger ones.

Though the name Yanshara originated when the purpose of such a group was altered by their recent behaviour, as it defines brutality against individuals as adopted from Kaduna, where a similar local cult group operates too. When the phrase ‘Yan Shara’ is mentioned to those familiar with the Hausa language, it evokes the image of individuals engaged in the task of cleaning and sweeping. This particular group, primarily consisting of young men aged between 17 and 25, often undertake various menial jobs to sustain themselves, such as maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings and performing other similar tasks.

Local findings have revealed that ‘Yan Shara’ consists of two rival camps that have transformed into vicious cult groups over the years. These groups adopted the names of the areas or wards they reside in, namely Iya I and Iya II. The line separating these two areas is barely noticeable to visitors. For decades, the people from both areas have lived together, with some families sharing the same ancestry.

Various factors, such as socio-economic inequalities, unemployment, lack of formal education, and political unrest, have been identified as contributing to the emergence and sustenance of local cults in Keffi. These underlying causes provide opportunities for criminals to exploit.

Impact of Yan Shara on the Local Community

Unlike in other northern cities where Yan Shara, known as the ‘sweepers of dirt,’ visit homes to earn a living by emptying dust bins, the Yan Shara Cult group in Keffi has taken on a menacing and deadly nature. Instead of cleaning the streets, they stain them with blood, instilling fear in the minds of residents through indiscriminate acts of violence.

The rise of the Yan Shara cult group has profoundly affected the people of Keffi. Residents live in constant fear, facing repeated incidents of street fighting and loss of lives. These criminal activities have also resulted in negative consequences for local businesses, discouraging investment and impeding economic growth. Additionally, the psychological trauma inflicted upon the community cannot be underestimated, as a pervasive sense of insecurity takes hold.

However, the actions of their sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons have created a growing divide, deepening with each violent clash unleashed by the two camps. These clashes occur frequently. The violence is not limited to their members; they direct their anger towards anyone or anything in their sight. By the time the dust settles, over a dozen persons may be reported injured, and vehicles may be damaged.

Strategies to Combat the Menace

Local authorities and concerned organizations in Keffi are deploying a comprehensive strategy to combat the Yan Shara menace. This includes enhanced security measures through collaborative efforts with law enforcement, community leaders, and residents for improved security infrastructure. Public awareness campaigns educate the community about criminal dangers, promoting vigilance and encouraging prompt reporting. Initiatives for skill development and education aim to empower youth and deter criminal involvement. Addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly unemployment and poverty, involves close collaboration with local authorities for long-term solutions. Strengthening judicial processes ensures swift prosecution, while community leaders and parents actively intervene to alleviate tensions. This integrated approach seeks to mitigate the impact of Yan Shara and create a safer local environment.

Conclusion

The emergence of Yan shara in Keffi town, Nasarawa State, poses significant challenges to the community’s security and development. By understanding the factors contributing to its rise and implementing effective strategies focused on collaboration, public awareness, empowerment, socio-economic development, and law enforcement, it is possible to mitigate the menace and restore peace and stability to Keffi. Only through sustained efforts and steadfast commitment can the community reclaim its peaceful ambiance.

Zubairu Rajab & Abubakar Olose are  #OOTC Champions working on EiE’s #myLGA project in Keffi local government, Nasarawa State.