Gloria Essien, Abuja
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explore a new strategy to end security issues in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria.
The House also mandated all Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs to relocate to Zamfara to conduct a massive and rigorous operation to address the issue.
The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion on ” Matter Of Urgent Public Importance On The Killing, Kidnapping And Imposition Of 100million Naira Tax By Bandits Inflicted On The People Of Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa And Danjiga Wards Of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State,” moved by Mr. Kabiru Ahmadu Maipalace, at plenary.
Leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Maipalace said that just last week, on Saturday, former special adviser of Zamfara state, also a prominent member of APC, Mr. Umar Moriki, was shot dead by bandits along the Gusau to Tsafe road.
” Heavily armed bandits stormed and operated in Keta, Nasarawa Keta, Kwaren Ganuwa, Bilbis, Danjibga, Yar Tsakkuwa, Kwankwado, Mai Dagalo, Chi Kuraye, Hayin Maru, Buku, Musawa Kalgo, and Unguwar Madawaki, killing over 10 people, abducted 130 people, and imposed a high tax amounting to 100 Million Naira on these vulnerable communities,” the motion said.
He also said that the House is worried that the demand for 100 million naira in taxes is not only unjust but also unattainable for a population already suffering from the loss of life and properties, whose primary economic activities are small-scale farming and petty trades.
“This crisis has created a dire humanitarian situation, with residents lacking access to basic needs such as Food, Healthcare, and Security. Fear prevails as communities live under the threat of further attacks and demands for ransom,” he said.
In adopting the motion, the House mandated its committees on Defence, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Security, and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance with the resolutions.