The Katsina State House of Assembly has raised a red flag over the increasing frequency of violent attacks by bandits in parts of the state, describing the trend as deeply troubling and in urgent need of attention.
This concern was brought to the fore during a plenary session held on Wednesday, chaired by Speaker Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura. Lawmakers deliberated intensely after Hon. Muhammad Abubakar-Khamis, who represents Dutsinma Constituency, moved a motion under matters of urgent public importance.
In his submission, Abubakar-Khamis, who also chairs the House Committee on Security, painted a disturbing picture of life in his constituency.
He revealed that communities such as Makera, Gammo, Karofi, and Dabawa in the Dutsinma Local Government Area have come under frequent and deadly attacks, with lives lost and several residents abducted. He stressed that both civilians and security operatives had been killed in recent assaults, and that locals now live in constant fear.
Calling for immediate intervention, the lawmaker urged the deployment of additional troops and security agents to the affected areas. He noted that while the state government has made commendable efforts so far, the scale of the threat demands stronger support from the federal authorities.
“The level of insecurity has escalated significantly. Residents in my constituency are under siege, and urgent reinforcement from the federal government is necessary to restore peace,” Abubakar-Khamis stated.
His motion attracted widespread support from fellow lawmakers, many of whom voiced similar concerns over the deteriorating security landscape across the state. They jointly called on both the federal and state governments to review and strengthen their current security strategy to better confront the threat.
Following the robust discussion, the Assembly unanimously approved the motion and agreed to forward their recommendations to the executive branch for prompt action. The goal, they said, is to enhance the protection of lives and property, especially in communities most vulnerable to attacks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Assembly’s resolution marks a renewed push by the state’s legislators to ensure that no part of Katsina remains defenceless in the face of growing insecurity.