The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to explore new strategies to end killings and activities of bandits who imposed N100 million tax on the residents in the Zamfara state.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the killing, kidnapping and imposition of N100 million tax by Bandits inflicted on the people of Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa and Danjiga Wards of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, sponsored by Hon. Mai Palace Ahmadu.
In adopting the motion, the lawmakers called on all the Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs to relocate to Zamfara to conduct a massive and rigorous operation that will bring an end to this menace.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ahmadu underscored the need for the present administration to prioritise the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which states clearly that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
He said, “The House further note that considering the unending security challenges in Zamfara state and indeed across the country, it’s apt to state that the government has not done enough to secure the lives and properties of Nigeria to enable them to go about their everyday life.
“The House is aware that 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 N100 million on these vulnerable communities.”
He added that the “bandits conduct their criminal operation riding on the motorcycle with no less than two to three of them in each motorcycle moving from one community to another for a complete two to three weeks fully armed without any practical and reliable challenge from our security agencies.
“The House is further aware, based on the search we carried out in Ruwan Dawa under Magami Ward, 17 people were killed, and carted away all their agricultural products. Also, in Tofa, 14 people were killed. Ungwar Malami and Gidan Maza towns were attacked after 18 people were killed in Sabon Gida town, 8 people were killed, and in Zonai they killed 11 people were killed in this farm.
“Just last week on Saturday, former special adviser of Zamfara state, also a prominent member of APC, Hon. Umar Moriki, was shot dead by bandits along Gusau to Tsafe road. All this Mr Spearker took place from 1 November to date.
“The House is worried that the demand for N100 million 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, both of which have been severely affected by the ongoing violence that pushes the communities into deep poverty and despair.
“The House is further worried that 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.
“The House is concerned that the above-mentioned killings are just a few examples of many killings and kidnappings that have taken place only within one month in my constituency,” he noted.
The.motion was unanimously adopted.
