The member representing Gumi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, has appealed to the federal and state governments to intensify efforts in curbing the resurgence of insecurity in the area.
Hon. Gumi made the appeal while commenting on recent bandit attacks, which have left many injured and more than one hundred innocent Nigerians kidnapped.
He suggested that the resurgence may be due to sustained pressure from security agencies, forcing the bandits to retreat temporarily. However, with the onset of the rainy season and the need for food, they have returned to attack villages in the area.
The lawmaker also attributed the situation to a shortfall in security personnel, following the redeployment of some operatives to Maiduguri to address the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno State.
He further said that the day before yesterday, bandits attacked some villages and killed at least seven people, while last night a similar attack was carried out, with not fewer than 150 people reportedly taken into the bush.
Hon. Sulaiman Gumi stressed the need for the Federal Government to increase the number of security personnel in the area to effectively secure surrounding communities. He also advocated the establishment of state police.
“The establishment of state police is now necessary. Previously, I was not in support of this idea, but with the increasing resurgence of banditry and kidnapping in the area, I am now fully in support. We should also dismiss concerns that state governments may use them against the opposition,” he said.
He further advised that the vehicles recently purchased by the Zamfara State Government should be deployed to remote villages, rather than being used only on major highways, to enhance peace and security.
Cov/ Bashir M
