The House of Representatives on Tuesday took a firm stance against the escalating insecurity in Zamfara State, urging President Bola Tinubu to urgently explore new, comprehensive strategies to end the killings, kidnappings, and criminal activities of bandits who have shockingly imposed a ₦100 million “tax” on vulnerable residents.
The resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Hon. Mai Palace Ahmadu, detailing the recent wave of terror in Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa, and Danjiga Wards of Tsafe Local Government Area.
In a strong show of concern, the lawmakers did not stop at urging the President but also called on the Minister of Defence and all Service Chiefs to immediately relocate to Zamfara State. This move, they insisted, is necessary to oversee and conduct a massive, rigorous military operation designed to bring the incessant menace to a decisive end.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ahmadu underscored the constitutional responsibility of the government, emphasizing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which clearly stipulate that the security and welfare of the people must be the primary purpose of government.
He stated that considering the unrelenting security challenges across Zamfara and the wider country, the current administration has failed to do enough to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.
A Litany of Terror and Extortion
Hon. Ahmadu painted a vivid and chilling picture of the crisis, noting, “Heavily armed bandits stormed and operated in Keta, Nasarawa Keta, Kwaren Ganuwa, Bilbis, Danjiga, Yar Tsakkuwa, Kwankwado, Mai Dagalo, Chi Kuraye, Hayin Maru, Buku, Musawa Kalgo, and Unguwar Madawaki, killing over 10 people, abducting 130, and imposing a high tax of ₦100 million on these vulnerable communities.”
He highlighted the audacious and protracted nature of the attacks: “The bandits conduct their operations riding motorcycles, often two to three per bike, moving from one community to another for two to three weeks fully armed, without facing any effective challenge from our security agencies.”
The motion further detailed specific mass casualty incidents that occurred between November 1 and the present date alone:
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In Ruwan Dawa, 17 people were killed and their agricultural produce looted.
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In Tofa, 14 people were murdered.
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Ungwar Malami and Gidan Maza towns were attacked.
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In Sabon Gida town, eight people were killed.
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In Zonai, 11 people were killed while working on their farms.
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Just last week, a prominent APC member and former special adviser of Zamfara State, Hon. Umar Moriki, was shot dead by bandits along the Gusau-Tsafe road.
The House expressed grave worry that the demand for ₦100 million in taxes is not only unjust but virtually unattainable for a population already crippled by the loss of life and property. Since most residents rely on small scale farming and petty trade, which have been severely impacted, the violence is pushing entire communities into deep poverty and despair.
The crisis, he concluded, has created a dire humanitarian situation, with residents living under constant fear, lacking access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, and security. The motion was ultimately adopted unanimously by the House, signaling a unified demand for decisive federal action.
