Nigerian legislators on Tuesday have urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Zamfara State communities severely affected by banditry. This call came after the adoption of a motion introduced by Hassan Shinkafi, the lawmaker representing the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency, during a plenary session.
In his motion, Shinkafi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas. He highlighted the increasing incidents of attacks, killings, abductions, and injuries inflicted on innocent residents by bandits.
Shinkafi acknowledged the efforts of the Zamfara State Government in addressing the crisis, including the creation of a Security Trust Fund, the deployment of Community Protection Guards, improved intelligence-sharing, and logistical support for security agencies. He also noted that the state government has been conducting regular security council meetings and blocking supply routes used by bandits.
Despite these measures, Shinkafi emphasized that the security challenges persist, severely disrupting the lives of residents in Shinkafi and Zurmi. He pointed out that access to farmlands, markets, and schools has been restricted, and over 40 villages have been deserted due to bandit attacks, forcing residents to flee their homes.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the withdrawal of military troops previously deployed to the area. According to him, the soldiers were stationed for only two weeks before being pulled out, which allowed bandit leaders to regroup and resume attacks on the communities.
To address these issues, Shinkafi called for the establishment of a permanent, well-equipped military base in key areas such as Magarya, Kurya, Kware, Dutsi, Mashema, Gurbin Bore, Boko, and Dole within the Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to direct the military to set up a permanent security base in the affected communities. It also called for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to tackle the ongoing crisis. Additionally, the House mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate relief materials to displaced victims in the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency.
In a related development, the Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are being made to rescue students of the Federal University Dutsinma who were abducted by bandits on Sunday. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, four students were kidnapped, but one has already been rescued.
Sadiq stated, “Yes, four students were abducted, but through the persistent efforts of our personnel, one has been rescued. We are working tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining three.”
Reports indicate that the armed assailants, equipped with sophisticated weapons, invaded the Paris Quarters residence behind the university at around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday and took the students. Security operatives were mobilized immediately after receiving a distress call, but the bandits had already fled with their captives into the bush.
