The Zamfara State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the escalating banditry activities within the state, thereby forcing the locals to flee their areas for safety.
The lawmakers members decried the distressing situation during their session on Thursday, while condemning the widespread and relentless banditry that has engulfed numerous local government areas.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Adamu Aliyu Birnin Magaji, while addressing journalists after the session, stated that the assembly’s resolute condemnation of the dire circumstances resulting from the surge in banditry.
He reported that Hon. Lurwanu Marafa Nagambo, representing Anka Constituency, explained the alarming banditry situation affecting his constituency. Nagambo urgently called for increased military presence to quell the alarming trend.
“We are not comfortable with the ugly development and something has to be done to stop the terrorists because they are waxing stronger on a daily basis”, he lamented.
Birnin Magaji and Nagambo jointly advocated for the establishment of military bases and checkpoints along key routes, specifically from Mayanchi to Anka and from Anka to Gurusu.
The deputy Speaker explained that communities like Tanaran, Dareta, Dankanfani, Tangaran, Kawaye, among others, all in Anka Local Government, need serious concern and protection.
Expanding on the session’s outcomes, Birnin Magaji explained that following Nagambo’s motion and recommendations, Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Isma’il Moriki facilitated a comprehensive discussion among members. This discussion unanimously resulted in a firm decision to confront the banditry menace across all 14 Local Government Areas of the state.
Birnin Magaji added that the assembly plans to engage with Governor Dauda Lawal to communicate their grave concerns regarding the continuous bandit attacks.
Expressing his gratitude, Birnin Magaji commended Governor Lawal’s proactive steps in tackling the banditry crisis.
He noted the governor’s engagement with security chiefs in Abuja, indicating that the assembly is committed to providing unwavering support to the governor’s initiatives aimed at curbing the scourge of banditry within the state.