In a wave of violence, terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits, have abducted over 500 individuals and displaced 50 villages in Zamfara State, located in the North-West region of Nigeria.
The attacks, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of seven people, including two police officers, according to Bello Hassan Shinkafi, a Member of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State.
Shinkafi, who represents Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency, described the dire situation, stating, “The bandits now strike at will, not minding the time of the day or night; to kill, maim and abduct people.”
He highlighted the extent of the attacks, stressing that entire communities in his constituency had fallen victim to the bandits’ brutality.
“On Monday, they killed five persons, including two policemen in broad daylight at Gidan Shaho in the Nassarawa district. They also abducted over 30 persons there. As we speak, those abducted have not been completely accounted for,” Shinkafi disclosed.
Expressing concern over the security situation, Shinkafi emphasized the need for a strategic overhaul to combat banditry in the Northwest states. He pointed out the challenges of inadequate manpower and prolonged deployment of military personnel in the region, calling for urgent action to address these issues.
“There’s inadequate manpower in this area, this is to state the fact. Worse still, there are military personnel that have spent eight, nine, even 10 years and above in the operation here in Zamfara without being relieved. It’s only normal that the law of diminishing returns will catch up with them,” Shinkafi remarked.
While efforts to obtain official confirmation from the police were unsuccessful, as calls to the police spokesperson and Commissioner of Police went unanswered, Shinkafi commended the Zamfara State Government for negotiating the release of 200 abductees. He expressed hope for further successful negotiations to secure the release of other victims.