The Senate has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve his pledge to establish a new military barracks in Malumfashi for the zone, as earlier promised.
The appeal followed a motion presented by the Senator representing Katsina South, Senator Muntari Muhammad Dandutse, in response to a recent attack in Katsina State.
Presenting the motion, Senator Dandutse observed that criminals continue to exploit porous forest corridors in the area and neighbouring parts of Kaduna and Zamfara states.
He expressed worries that continues inaction create mass displacement of residents, collapse of rural livelihood, and long-term psychological trauma in vulnerable populations.
“As at yesterday Tuesday 3rd February, 2026, thirty five (35) people have been attacked and killed across Funtua Zone; twenty four (24) in Faskari Local Government Area, eight (8) people in Mahuta Ward of Dandume Local Government Area, two (2) people in Maska Ward of Funtua Local Government Area and one (1) person in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State in less than two (2) weeks;”
Concerned that the incessant banditry attacks on Communities will significantly impact food production and agricultural activities, as more than fifty (50) thousand farmlands are not cultivated presently, thereby jeopardizing food security and livelihood of the people;
The lawmaker commended president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and security agencies for their rapid intervention and urged them to sustain coordinated oppression until the criminal elements are plush out, while the communities in Nigeria remain supportive always with intelligent gathering.
“call on communities across Nigeria to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of security efforts while resisting internal collaborators who undermine national security to curve out the Incessant attacks by bandits in the zone as a result of porous forest in the corridors of the area”
The Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin in his contribution commended Mr president and the Military for their prompt action but urged for more efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the area which In turn boost the agricultural fortunes of the area.
“The president should be commended for his intervention to deal with the situation there. But what we need at this stage is to add more force, to deal with these criminals. I mean, the cash crop being produced in that area is something that can feed the entire industrial sector, Not only the entire zone, but can also help the entire country.”
Also commenting, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of Kebbi south expressed serious concerns on the situation, appealing for more funding for the military to be able to deal with the issues of insecurity once and for all this year.
Accordingly, the Senate directed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the newly established squadron in the zone is equipped with at least three armoured personnel carriers to intensify intelligence-driven operations, including forest combat, cross-state collaboration, and community-based intelligence systems across Kankara and other hotspots.
Cov/ Bashir M
