Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt new strategies to end bandit attacks in Zamfara State, where criminals have reportedly imposed a N100 million “tax” on residents.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on killings, kidnappings, and extortion in Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa, and Danjiga Wards of Tsafe Local Government Area, sponsored by Hon. Mai Ahmadu.
Lawmakers urged the Minister of Defence and Service Chiefs to relocate to Zamfara and conduct a comprehensive operation to tackle the menace. Ahmadu emphasized that the government must uphold the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that citizens’ security and welfare be the state’s primary responsibility.
“The House notes that heavily armed bandits stormed multiple communities, killing over 10 people, abducting 130, and imposing a N100 million levy on residents”, Ahmadu said. He added that the bandits move freely on motorcycles, operating for weeks without facing effective challenges from security agencies.
Ahmadu also cited recent incidents, including attacks in Ruwan Dawa, Tofa, Ungwar Malami, Gidan Maza, Sabon Gida, and Zonai, resulting in dozens of deaths and the looting of agricultural produce.
He noted the killing of former Zamfara State special adviser and APC member, Hon. Umar Moriki, along the Gusau-Tsafe road, underscoring the urgent need for action.
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