House of Reps Urge Tinubu to Address Security Issues

The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a fresh approach to tackling the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara State, following a wave of killings, kidnappings and heavy financial extortion by armed groups.

Lawmakers also directed all Ministers of Defence and the Service Chiefs to immediately relocate to Zamfara and launch a comprehensive, on-the-ground operation aimed at restoring peace to the region. The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mr Kabiru Ahmadu Maipalace during plenary.

Presenting the motion, Mr Maipalace recounted how bandits struck multiple communities across Tsafe Local Government Area. He highlighted last Saturday’s killing of Umar Moriki, a former special adviser in the state and a prominent APC member, who was shot dead along the Gusau–Tsafe road.

He told the House that heavily armed attackers raided Keta, Nasarawa Keta, Kwaren Ganuwa, Bilbis, Danjibga, Yar Tsakkuwa, Kwankwado, Mai Dagalo, Chi Kuraye, Hayin Maru, Buku, Musawa Kalgo and Unguwar Madawaki. The coordinated assaults left more than 10 people dead, 130 abducted and entire communities burdened with a bandit-imposed levy of ₦100 million.

Maipalace stressed that the demand was impossible for residents whose livelihoods depend on small-scale farming and petty trading, adding that the communities were already reeling from earlier losses of life and property.

He warned that the situation had created a serious humanitarian crisis, with residents lacking food, healthcare and security, and living in constant fear of renewed attacks or further ransom demands.

Following the debate, the House directed its committees on Defence, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Security and Legislative Compliance to ensure full implementation of the resolutions aimed at tackling the escalating violence in Zamfara.