Abuja – The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Zamfara State to combat the escalating wave of banditry terrorizing communities in the region.
The resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion by Hassan Shinkafi, the lawmaker representing Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency. Shinkafi decried the worsening security crisis in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas, where residents face relentless attacks, killings, kidnappings, and displacement.
Highlighting the efforts of the Zamfara State Government, Shinkafi noted that various measures—including the establishment of a Security Trust Fund, the deployment of Community Protection Guards, and enhanced intelligence-sharing—had been implemented. However, he lamented that bandit activities continue to devastate communities, restricting access to essential resources such as farmlands, markets, and schools.
He further revealed that over 40 villages had been abandoned due to persistent bandit invasions. The situation was exacerbated by the recent withdrawal of military troops initially deployed to the area.
“The soldiers were stationed for only two weeks before pulling out, allowing bandit kingpins to resurface and resume their attacks,” Shinkafi stated.
To restore security, he urged the Federal Government to establish a well-equipped military base in Magarya, Kurya, Kware, Dutsi, Mashema, Gurbin Bore, Boko, and Dole within Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House directed security agencies to collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to tackle the crisis and mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate relief to displaced victims.
Katsina Police Vow to Rescue Abducted Students
Meanwhile, in a related development, 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.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed that four students were kidnapped from their residence in the Paris Quarters area behind the university at around 2:20 a.m. Security operatives have since rescued one of the victims, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of the remaining three.
Dutsinma LGA remains a major security flashpoint in Katsina State, frequently targeted by bandits despite repeated government interventions.
Comments