The factional Zamfara State House of Assembly under the leadership of Bashar Aliyu Gummi has called on the Federal Government to independently coordinate security operations in Zamfara to safeguard the lives and property of residents, in line with Chapter Two of the Constitution.
At Tuesday’s plenary, the members took turns to allege that, bandits have continued to attack many communities across the state, while the Governor and his administration are more focused on his second-term bid and apportioning blame to perceived opponents.
They further alleged that, the Governor has neither paid sympathy visits nor sent government delegations or assistance to affected communities or victims’ families.
The lawmakers also claimed that the Governor is now planning to visit Banga community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area recently attacked by bandits because he allegedly needs the area’s support in next weekend’s State Assembly bye-election.
The House has again alleged insensitivity on the part of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare to the security situation in the state.
Moving a motion on the development, Hon. Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama, member representing Bukkuyum North, commended the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling banditry despite what he alleged to be the State Government’s frustration of security personnel. He said in his constituency alone, four communities Adapka, Zauma, Gwashi, and Mayanchi have suffered repeated attacks.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Bashir Bello Sarkin Zango, representing Bungudu West, alleged that Gidan Bugaje, Zaman Gida, Kukan Nine, and Gidan Dan-Inna have been turned into war zones by criminal gangs, making travel there a life-threatening venture.
Also contributing, the Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara of Talata Mafara South, listed Morai, Bobbo, Makera, Jangebe, Gwaram, and Ruwan Gizo as the worst-hit villages in his area.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to fully take charge of security operations in the state, alleging that the Governor’s actions have frustrated the work of security agencies. They advised residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible intelligence to security operatives.
Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur of Bakura Constituency alleged that his people remain under siege, citing recent bandit attacks on Damri, Dakko, Kwanar Kalgo, Sama, Sabon Garin Damri, and Sade, with livestock rustled and no sympathy or support from the State Government.
Hon. Amiru Ahmed Keta of Tsafe West alleged that his constituents face daily security challenges, accusing the Governor of neglecting them while attending social events.
Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara of Maradun I condemned what he alleged to be the Governor’s abandonment of communities in the face of repeated attacks and suggested the House consider impeachment proceedings against him.
Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru of Maru North alleged that the Governor lacks empathy in handling security issues, claiming that even farm animals receive better care than residents. He further alleged that political thugs loyal to the Governor assaulted internally displaced persons during a peaceful protest demanding to return to their homes, leaving some victims in a coma and others with fractures.
The members reiterated their commitment to advocate for good governance in Zamfara for the growth and development of the state.
