The House of Representatives has decried the killings, kidnappings and imposition of N100 million tax by bandits on the people of Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa And Danjiga Wards of Tsafe Local Government Area Zamfara State.
To this end, the House called on President Bola Tinubu to explore a new strategy to end these killings and activities in Zamfara State.
It also called on the Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs to relocate to Zamfara to conduct a massive and rigorous operation that would bring an end to this menace.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public national importance moved at the plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Hon Kabiru Mai-Palace
Moving the motion, he said considering the unending security challenges in Zamfara state and indeed across the country, it was apt to state that the government has not done enough to secure the lives and property of Nigeria to enable them to go about their everyday life.
He recalled that heavily armed bandits stormed and operated in Keta, Nasarawa Keta, Kwaren Ganuwa, Bilbis, Danjibga, Yar Tsakkuwa, Kwankwado, Mai Dagalo, Chi Kuraye, Hayin Maru, Buku, Musawa Kalgo And Unguwar Madawaki, killing over 10 people, abducted 130 people and impose high tax amounting to N100 million on the vulnerable communities.
Mai-Palace added that the bandits conduct their criminal operation riding on the motorcycle with no less than two to three of them on each motorcycle moving from one community to another for complete two to three weeks fully armed without any practical and reliable challenge from the security agencies.
He noted that based on the search carried out in Ruwan Dawa under Magami Ward, 17 people were killed and carted away all their agricultural products.
Mai-Palace added: “Also in Tofa, 14 people were killed in Ungwar Malami and Gidan Maza town. 18 people were killed in Sabon Gida town; Eight people were killed in Zonai; they killed 11 people on the farm.
“Just last week Saturday, former special adviser of Zamfara state, also a prominent member of APC, Hon. Umar Moriki was shot dead by bandits along Gusau to Tsafe road. All this Mr Speaker, took place from 1st November till date.”
The lawmaker expressed worry that the demand for N100 million in taxes was not only unjust but also unattainable for a population already suffering from the loss of life and property, who their primary economic activities are small-scale farming and petty trades — both of which have been severely affected by the ongoing violence that pushes the communities into deep poverty and despair.
Mai-Palace lamented that the crisis has created a dire humanitarian situation, with residents lacking access to basic needs such as Food, Healthcare and Security.
He stressed that fear prevails as communities live under the threat of further attacks and demands for ransom.
Mai-Palace noted that the above-mentioned killings are just a few examples of many killings and kidnapping that have taken place only within one month in his constituency.
The House, therefore, called on, “All Ministers of Defence and Service Chief to relocate to Zamfara to conduct a massive and rigorous operation that will bring an end to this menace.”
The House mandated the committees on a Defence, Army, Navy, Air force, National security and legislative compliance to ensure strict compliance.