A member of Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Sani Yakubu in the House of Representatives has revealed that jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local bandits operating in Tangaza Local Government of Sokoto State have imposed tax on farmers.
The lawmaker while moving a motion on the floor of the House on Wednesday Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State is surrounded by two forests — Tsauna Forest, that stretches over to Gwadabawa, Illela and Niger Republic and Kuyan Bana Forest, that stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.
He said the terrorists hibernating have joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area;
Yakubu recalled that on July 1, 2023, bandits attacked three communities namely Raka, Raka Dutse and Filingawa in Tangaza Local Government killing 45 people, while some sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatments at the General Hospital Gwadabawa.
He added that the bandits also rustled livestocks, shops looted, houses and storage facilities burnt down;
The lawmaker noted that the attack was not unconnected with the communities’ refusal to succumb to bandit’s imposition of levies and purported laws announced by the criminals;
Yakubu added: “Worried that the two forests house two terrorist groups, the Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local Bandits terrorising the area. The two used to be sworn enemies, but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area;
“Disturbed that after the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones a befitting burial.”
The lawmaker noted that considering the fact that the people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers, terrorists have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities if the communities refuse to pay.
He pointed out that if threat is allowed, it would seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.
Against this background, the House called on the military to deploy more troops and hardwares to Sokoto State to curtail banditry, killings and cattle rustling in the state.
It resolved: “Urge the military to deploy more personnel and hardwares to comb the Forests to flush out criminals.”
The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the unfortunate attack.