Security
Insecurity: Return to your State, northern group tells Zamfara Governor
By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja
The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN), has lamented the high level of insecurity in Zamfara State in the last three weeks, asked the State Governor, Lawal Dare, to leave Abuja and return to Zamfara to tackle insecurity.
The group, in a statement by the Secretary General, Suleiman Abbah, described the rate of insecurity as uncontrollable.
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They also blamed the Governor, Lawal Dare for failing to combat the worsening insecurity in the state while spending almost all the time in the Federal Capital, Abuja.
Abbah said that in spite of the previous government’s efforts to curtail insecurity, the situation in the state is today deteriorating, saying that the northern youths are not impressed with the new governor’s ’ attitude.
According to him, “A Governor who does not appear interested in seeking answers to the challenges of security to which the state is exposed, the people continue to live and die under the dictates of killers, kidnappers, rapists and sundry criminal groups that have in recent times, deprived them of the rights to live in peace and security.
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“Killers and other criminals appear to have sensed a paralysing vacuum at the highest levels of leadership in the State since the inception of the new government, and they grow more confident and acquire more competence in subverting the State and peoples security.
“The people of Zamfara have shed enough tears and blood in the last three weeks without appropriate response from those with responsibilities to protect them.
“Villages are being emptied as hundreds of people, due to constant attacks, are relocating to the already congested urban areas of the state and deepening poverty. ”
They further said that for the very first time ever, the popular Shinkafi market had been completely overrun by criminal attackers and all activities crippled and deserted.
The Group insisted that Zamfara is once again becoming its former safe haven for different terrorist groups, downplaying the description of criminal elements in the region as bandits.
NEN then called on the Zamfara Governor to end the unnecessary galivanting in Abuja and to work for the security of the people who elected and entrusted their lives and future in his care.
“Zamfara did not vote you to go about chasing shadows fighting over vehicles and other individuals’ properties but to work to improve their condition in terms of security, most importantly.”
In the alternative, NEN said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take the necessary steps to order the Governor back to Zamfara to face the primary task he was elected for.
The Global Information Team (GIT) has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to take swift action following the killing of several individuals during the recently concluded local government elections in Osun State.
Anabel Crown, GIT’s Head of Investigation and an election observer, criticised the Inspector General of Police for failing to respond to the violence that erupted in Ilesa East and West local government areas.
According to Crown, gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) targeted voters and supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on election day.
She described the killings as unacceptable and urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action.
“Some APC top figures are using their influence to sponsor violence,” she alleged, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
GIT has also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene as a democrat by directing security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Crown insisted that “politics must not be a do-or-die affair” and that those behind the attacks should be brought to justice.
Reports of election-related violence have continued to raise concerns about political tensions in Osun State, with opposition parties alleging intimidation and attacks on their members.
The APC is yet to respond to the allegations.
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled multiple attacks by suspected armed bandits, killing four criminals in separate operations at the Federal University Dutsin-mama (FUDMA) and the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa, Dutsin-ma local government council of the state
According to the command spokesman, Hamisu Buhari, the incident happened on Friday, February 21; NSCDC operatives stationed at FUDMA’s permanent site engaged armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate the institution around 2:00 a.m.
The security team neutralised three of the assailants, including a notorious bandit identified as Ayuba Buzaru. During the operation, they also rescued three kidnapped victims: JafaruAlh. Bawa, 52 years, Delu Alh. Amadu, 40 years, and Huzaifa (alias Zulai) Alh. Bawa, 37 years.
Additionally, livestock stolen by the criminals, including goats, were recovered.
In a separate attack on Sunday, February 23, bandits attempted to raid the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve in Darawa.
The NSCDC Agro Ranger operatives, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsinma Division, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel. One bandit was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
The Silo, which serves as a vital storage facility for grain distribution to Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, has been a recurring target for criminals.
However, security forces remain committed to its protection, following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, A.A. Audi, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Additionally, NSCDC personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, dispersed another group of suspected bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education, in Dutsinma LGA.
Commandant Aminu Datti Ahmad praised the gallant efforts of his officers and assured the public of the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives and critical national assets.
He urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security office.
The NSCDC Katsina Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace and security across the State.
A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation, according to local sources.
The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza.
Turji, who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, also demanded the payment to cover firearms lost during the military operation.
Negotiation with Bandits
According to Hon. Boza, villagers had to negotiate with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and goes around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
The lawmaker criticised the military’s approach, stating that their failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto had left villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“I have always criticised the military for withdrawing after their operations. Each time they leave, it is the villagers who suffer the consequences. The bandits always vent their anger on them,” he said.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Despite multiple visits by the Minister of Defence and assurances that banditry would soon be eradicated, attacks continue in the region.
“Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area,” Boza added.
In a separate incident, Turji has also demanded a N250,000 ransom from each family of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.