By Mercy Aikoye
Aminu Sani Jaji, a House of Representatives member from Zamfara State, has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in his constituency, citing over 200 kidnappings and several killings due to unmet ransom demands, and is calling for urgent government intervention to address the crisis.
Jaji described his once peaceful constituency as a battleground where villagers live in constant fear of attacks, abductions, and killings. He cited specific incidents, including the abduction of 60 people in Banga two weeks ago, with 10 of them later killed after the community failed to meet the N30 million ransom demanded by the abductors.
The lawmaker also mentioned another incident where 25 people were taken from Gabake, and fresh attacks occurred in Kungurki just yesterday. These incidents, he said, have left the people of his constituency living in fear and uncertainty.
When asked about the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara, Jaji argued against it. He believed that insecurity is a national crisis, not a regional one, and that declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara would be insufficient without addressing the broader issue.
Instead, Jaji called on the federal government to do more to address the security challenges facing not just Zamfara, but all parts of the country suffering from armed violence. He emphasized that the situation is no longer a political matter, but a humanitarian disaster that requires urgent attention.
“If we fail to act now, the entire country will be consumed,” Jaji warned. He urged the government to take decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity and provide relief to affected communities.
Jaji’s plea highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria. The situation in Zamfara State is a reflection of the broader security crisis affecting many parts of the country, and it requires a coordinated response from the government and other stakeholders.
