Over 200 people from Zamfara State have been kidnapped in a series of violent attacks by armed groups, according to a member of the House of Representatives, Aminu Sani Jaji.
The federal lawmaker, who represents Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji constituency, spoke to reporters at the National Assembly on Wednesday, warning that the security situation in his area has worsened significantly in recent weeks.
Jaji noted that what was once a quiet and peaceful region has now become a hotspot for criminal activities. Villagers now live with fear and uncertainty as bandits continue to strike without warning.
“In my constituency alone, over 200 people have been kidnapped by bandits. Two weeks ago, 60 people were abducted in Banga. 10 of them were later killed because the community could not raise the N30 million ransom demanded by the abductors. As we were grieving, another 25 were taken from Gabake. Just yesterday, fresh attacks occurred in Kungurki,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the repeated violence, saying residents are now completely helpless, and communities are struggling to cope with the loss of lives and the emotional trauma caused by the kidnappings.
When asked if a state of emergency should be declared in Zamfara, Jaji disagreed, noting that insecurity is not limited to his state alone. He said if such a decision were to be made, it would need to apply to many other states experiencing similar issues.
“If you declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, you might as well declare it in more than 20 other states. Insecurity is a national crisis, not a regional one.”
He also urged the federal government to increase its efforts in tackling the insecurity crisis, not just in Zamfara but across all states where citizens are under threat.
“This is no longer a political matter. It is a humanitarian disaster. If we fail to act now, the entire country will be consumed,” he said.
