Reps call for urgent establishment of security bases in Zamfara communities amid rising bandit attacks

On Tuesday, March 4, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to strengthen security in Zamfara State, which has been plagued by continuous attacks from armed bandits.

The call came after a motion was sponsored by Hassan Shinkafi, the lawmaker representing the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency, during a plenary session.

Shinkafi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas. He detailed the increasing violence, which has led to numerous deaths, injuries, and kidnappings.

“The House is aware that the Governor of Zamfara State has taken pragmatic steps to secure the state, including the establishment of a Security Trust Fund, Community Protection Guards, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and logistical support for security agencies,” Shinkafi said.

However, despite these efforts, insecurity continues to rise, forcing residents to flee and leaving over 40 villages abandoned. “The situation has inflicted untold hardship on the people, preventing access to farmlands, markets, and schools,” Shinkafi added.

He also expressed disappointment over the withdrawal of military troops just two weeks after their deployment, which allowed bandits to regroup and continue their attacks.

In response, the House of Representatives unanimously called on the Federal Government to direct the military to establish permanent, well-equipped security bases in several communities, including Magarya, Kurya, Kware, Dutsi, Mashema, Gurbin Bore, Boko, and Dole, all located within the Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas. The lawmakers also urged security agencies to collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to combat the rising insecurity.

Furthermore, the House mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide relief materials to victims of the violence in the constituency.