Bandit attacks: Senate demands urgent military action, relief for Katsina communities
Senate Raises Alarm Over Insecurity in Katsina State Following Bandit Attacks
The Senate expressed grave concerns Wednesday regarding the deteriorating security situation in Katsina State after a series of recent bandit attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 35 individuals within a 24-hour period.
The discussion was initiated by a motion of urgent public importance that highlighted an ambush on operatives of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force in the Bakori Local Government Area. During this incident, three police officers were killed and two others sustained critical injuries.
Senator Mohammed Dandutse, who sponsored the motion, detailed the widespread nature of the attacks, noting that 24 fatalities occurred in Faskari, eight in Dandume, two in Funtua, and one in Kankara.
“The ongoing violence poses a direct threat to farming activities in the region,” Dandutse stated, emphasizing that over 50,000 acres of farmland have been abandoned due to insecurity, jeopardizing food production and livelihoods in Katsina.
He referenced a previous delegation led by Governor Dikko Radda to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which the President committed to establishing a military barracks near Malumfashi to help tackle the security challenges.
Dandutse also highlighted the vulnerabilities of interstate routes connecting Katsina with portions of Kaduna and Zamfara states, indicating they are frequently exploited by bandits conducting attacks. He underscored the urgent need for stronger security coordination across state lines.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other senators contributed to the debate, advocating for increased troop deployments, modern equipment, and intelligence-driven operations to enhance existing security measures. Several lawmakers pointed out that the affected regions are critical agricultural areas, warning that ongoing insecurity threatens broader economic stability.
Senator Aliyu Wadada cautioned against negotiations with bandits, suggesting such approaches may inadvertently empower criminal organizations.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate approved the motion, urging the President to swiftly implement the establishment of a military barracks in the impacted regions of Katsina State. Additionally, the upper chamber called on the Inspector-General of Police to equip a newly established police squadron with at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers and urged all security agencies to undertake coordinated efforts to eradicate criminal elements.
The Senate also mandated the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief assistance to affected communities.
In a show of respect for the victims, the Senate held a moment of silence.
