A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, has shared a disturbing account of the deepening crisis in Zamfara State, describing a horrific scene where bandits allegedly fed newborn babies to dogs.
Jaji, who represents Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, said the brutal killing happened in one of the several attacks on his people by armed groups operating without fear or consequence.
During a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja, Jaji said his constituency has suffered over 200 separate attacks, most recently in places like Dayo, Gabaki, Madura, Korea, and Banga, all within Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. He noted that these communities are barely surviving under constant threats, mass kidnappings, and killings that have forced many residents to abandon their homes.
“Just two days ago, 60 people were abducted in Banga. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million. Out of those abducted, 10 were killed, and the fate of the remaining 50 hang in the balance,” he stated.
Jaji, who once chaired the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, also recalled one of the most heart-wrenching stories.
“A pregnant woman was abducted. She gave birth to twins while she was in captivity. Then the leader of the bandits took the twins, and threw them to his dog. The dogs ate the twins one by one. Where are we?”
He noted that these are not isolated incidents but have become common in the region. Farmers have abandoned their lands, and traders live in fear. According to him, many residents are now displaced, living without official recognition or support from either the federal or state government.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, also noted his concerns about the growing insecurity across Nigeria, saying it is partly due to regional spillovers from unstable neighboring countries like Niger and Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the military is stepping up efforts to tackle terrorism head-on, stressing that no terrorist will be spared in the drive to restore peace across the country.
Jaji criticized political leaders for failing to follow through on promises made during election campaigns. “We gave assurances that if our party came to power, insecurity will become history. Unfortunately, the reality today is different,” he said.
He called on the government to go beyond empty rhetoric and act with urgency to protect citizens. “These are the everyday realities of our people,” he said. “Our people are no longer safe, they cannot farm, they cannot trade, and many are internally displaced.”
Jaji urged authorities to step up security operations and provide immediate support for victims of these repeated assaults. “Whether it is micro or macro operation, something must be done,” he added.
