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The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Zamfara State communities grappling with banditry.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hassan Shinkafi, the lawmaker representing Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency, during plenary on Tuesday.
While presenting the motion, the Peoples Democratic Party legislator decried the escalating security crisis in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas, citing increased attacks, killings, maiming, and kidnappings of innocent residents.
“The House is aware that the Governor of Zamfara State has taken several proactive measures to safeguard the state, including establishing a Security Trust Fund, deploying Community Protection Guards, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing logistical support to security agencies,” Shinkafi said.
He further highlighted that the state government had been holding regular security council meetings and blocking supply routes used by bandits.
“The House also acknowledges that military personnel have made commendable efforts in addressing the security situation. However, the ongoing crisis has severely impacted the people of Shinkafi and Zurmi, restricting access to farmlands, markets, and schools,” he added.
Shinkafi lamented that over 40 villages had been affected by bandit invasions, forcing residents to flee their homes and leaving communities deserted.
He also expressed concern over the withdrawal of military troops initially deployed to the area. “The soldiers were stationed for only two weeks before pulling out, which allowed bandit kingpins to resurface and resume attacks on my constituents,” he stated.
To address these security threats and restore normalcy, Shinkafi urged the establishment of a permanent, well-equipped military base in 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 establish a permanent security base in the affected communities.
It also called on security and law enforcement agencies to collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to tackle the ongoing security crisis.
Additionally, the House mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate relief materials to displaced victims in Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has assured that efforts are underway to rescue students of the Federal University Dutsinma abducted by bandits on Sunday morning.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed to our correspondent that four students were kidnapped but added that security operatives had successfully rescued one of them.
“Yes, four students were abducted, but through the persistent efforts of our men, one has been rescued. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining three,” DSP Sadiq stated.
Reports indicate that the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the Paris Quarters residence behind the university at around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, forcibly taking the students.
Security operatives were reportedly mobilised immediately after a distress call was received, but the assailants had already escaped with their captives into the bush.
Dutsinma Local Government Area remains one of the security flashpoints in Katsina State, plagued by frequent bandit activities despite multiple interventions by both state and federal authorities.
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