Zamafara is bleeding, Mr President

Congratulations, Mr President, on your inauguration as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I however extend my condolences on the tragic events in Zamfara, where bandits’ attacks continue to cause immense suffering.

The bandits’ control over villages, extortion of taxes, and brutal treatment of our people are escalating. The security situation is dire, with killings, kidnappings, and displacement becoming commonplace.

Also, I want to let Mr President know that currently, Zamfara is bleeding from incessant attack of the bandits especially Kaura-Namoda, Zurmi, Shinkafi axis of Zamfara North, Magami, Mada, Dansadau, Chafe axis of Zamfara Central, Bukkuyum, Gummi, Anka, Bakura and Maradun of Zamfara west.

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In the last three weeks alone, more than 50 people were killed in some villages and towns and many were kidnapped.

Furthermore, I want to use this medium to remind and inform Mr President that in Zamfara State, some of our villages are under the control of the bandits who are collecting tax from people.

They kill and cart away food items at will; rape and molest women and children. Many people sleep in the bushes for fear of being attack.

Our people cannot go to their farms and can’t claim their animals and other belongings. Bandits are moving freely in our villages with sophisticated weapons.

It has been the tradition of the bandits at the beginning of every rainy season to raid villages, kill and kidnap people as well as demand for ransom and place levy on them before they allow them to go to farm.

The number of security personnel working in Zamfara State is insufficient compared to the well-armed and motivated bandits terrorising villages in the state.

I urge you, Mr. President, to take immediate action by declaring a full-scale military operation in Zamfara. Section 14 subsection 2 (b) of the constitution highlights the government’s responsibility for the security and welfare of the people.

It is crucial to review the current strategy, combining military forces with local security volunteers to effectively combat banditry. The success witnessed in the Northeast was aided by the involvement of civilian volunteers trained as military officers. Similarly, involving local communities will enhance intelligence gathering.

Additionally, the federal government should employ technology to track and neutralize bandits, reducing collateral damage and civilian casualties. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should provide urgent assistance to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zamfara.

I appeal to you to address these urgent concerns. Please give the security situation in Zamfara the attention it deserves to protect our people and restore peace to our state.

Sulaiman Tukur, concerned indigene of Zamfara State, wrote via [email protected]