Bandits Kidnap Over 200 People In Zamfara, Demand N30m Ransom

Lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda-Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Alhaji Aminu Jaji, has revealed that over 200 residents have been kidnapped by bandits demanding a ransom of over 30 million naira for their release.

Alhaji Jaji stated this while briefing Parliamentary reporters at the National Assembly on the security situation of the State.

Describing the security situation in Zamfara State as “appalling,” Jaji noted that bandits operate with impunity, killing local vigilantes recruited by the State government to safeguard the people on a daily basis and attacking Communities.

“The state is so vulnerable that people can no longer farm, which is their main source of livelihood”.

Jaji shared a harrowing account of a bandit leader feeding newborn twins to his dog, highlighting the extreme violence faced by the
people.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, suggesting President Bola Tinubu might not be fully informed about the situation.

The Lawmaker kicked against the use of Foreign mercenaries, as suggested by some quarters, arguing that Nigeria does not need to rely on foreign mercenaries to combat insecurity as the country has sufficient manpower.

He emphasized the need for security agencies to adopt new strategies, with a stronger focus on intelligence gathering and proactive operations.

Jaji also kicked against the clamour for declaration of emergency rule due to the spate of insecurity in Zamfara state.

Jaji who chaired the House committee on National Security and Intelligence in the 8th Assembly argued that it would be illogical to declare emergency rule in Zamfara state when over twenty states of the Federation are also faced with security challenges.

He called for synergy between major stakeholders like community leaders, security agencies and the government to address the spate of insecurity in the state.

He also called on both the state and federal government to redouble their efforts in tackling the worsening security situation in not only Zamfara state but in the entire northern part of the country.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji