By Mercy Ayikoye
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the recent attack on tomato traders from Zaria, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people. The traders, who were from Danmagaji Market in Zaria, were attacked by armed bandits at Takoki village in Funtua Local Government of Katsina State while returning from a business trip to Katsina and Zamfara states.
The incident occurred when the driver of the truck conveying the traders attempted to escape from the bandits by reversing at high speed, causing the truck to fall off a bridge. Unfortunately, 10 of the traders lost their lives, while seven others sustained various injuries. Additionally, five traders are suspected to have been kidnapped by the bandits.
The traders’ goods, worth 60 million Naira, were also destroyed in the incident. Speaker Abbas expressed his sorrow over the incident and called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue those kidnapped and arrest the bandits.
In a press statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas condemned the attack in its entirety. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the 10 traders who lost their lives and sent heartfelt condolences to their families.
The incident highlights the growing concern over banditry and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. The attack on the tomato traders is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by citizens and the need for urgent action to address the security challenges.
Speaker Abbas’s condemnation of the attack and his call for increased security efforts are a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has also raised concerns about the economic impact of banditry and insecurity on Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The destruction of the traders’ goods worth 60 million Naira is a significant loss, and efforts should be made to support the affected families and communities.
