The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement a stronger and more effective strategy to halt the escalating attacks and extortion by bandits in multiple communities in Zamfara State.
In a resolution passed on Tuesday, lawmakers also urged the immediate deployment of the Ministers of Defence and all Service Chiefs to Zamfara to lead a coordinated, large-scale operation aimed at restoring peace.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Hon. Mai Palace Ahmadu, who raised alarm over widespread killings, kidnappings, and the imposition of a N100 million levy by bandits on residents of Keta, Bilbis, Kwaren Ganuwa, Danjiga, and surrounding wards in Tsafe Local Government Area.
During the debate, Hon. Ahmadu emphasized that the government must fulfill its constitutional duty to protect citizens, noting that recent events indicate authorities “have not done enough” to safeguard communities in Zamfara and other parts of the country.
According to reports, heavily armed bandits riding in groups of two to three on motorcycles have attacked several communities, including Keta, Nasarawa Keta, Kwaren Ganuwa, Bilbis, Danjiga, Yar Tsakkuwa, Kwankwado, Mai Dagalo, Chi Kuraye, Hayin Maru, Buku, Musawa Kalgo, and Unguwar Madawaki. The assaults reportedly left over 10 people dead, 130 abducted, and residents forced to pay a collective levy of N100 million.
Ahmadu added that attacks in Ruwan Dawa, Magami Ward, resulted in 17 deaths and looted foodstuffs, while Tofa recorded 14 fatalities.
Additional casualties were reported in Ungwar Malami, Gidan Maza, Sabon Gida, and Zonai. Just last Saturday, former Special Adviser and APC member Hon. Umar Moriki was shot dead along the Gusau–Tsafe road.
The spate of attacks spans from November 1 to date.
The lawmaker stressed that the N100 million levy is “unjust and unattainable” for residents, most of whom rely on small-scale farming and petty trading—both disrupted by continuous violence.
He warned that the crisis has worsened the humanitarian situation, causing food shortages, limited healthcare access, fear, and deepening poverty.
The House of Representatives mandated the Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs to take decisive action to dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks.
The joint Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Security, and Legislative Compliance were tasked with ensuring compliance with the resolution.
