Stop killings in Northern Nigeria, Reps minority caucus begs Tinubu

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the rising incidents of terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions in Northern Nigeria. In a statement released on Thursday, the lawmakers emphasized that the frequency and severity of attacks on communities have grown intolerable, with a significant loss of lives and displacement of residents.

They demanded a sustained, intelligence-driven military and security operation to reclaim territories controlled by terrorists and criminal gangs.

Recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Katsina states have resulted in dozens of deaths or abductions. For instance, more than 20 people were killed in Plateau State, including at least 23 victims in Mangu Local Government Area. In Niger State, armed men reportedly abducted over 60 worshippers during Friday prayers, while in Sokoto State, at least 40 people, including the Chief Imam, were killed in Ungushi community. Kaduna State also saw at least 30 fatalities in Naridon village.

The caucus stressed that these recurring attacks and reprisal killings have heightened fear among residents and called for a sustained security response based on actionable intelligence. They urged Tinubu to replicate the successful strategy used in the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State in a larger scale.

The lawmakers urged the President to focus on intensifying security operations in affected areas, directing the armed forces and other agencies to dominate terrorist and bandit hideouts, forests, and criminal enclaves, rather than restricting the movement of innocent citizens.

They emphasized that the objective of the operation should be to restrict the operational space of criminal groups and neutralize the threat they pose. The lawmakers also urged Tinubu to visit affected communities, particularly in Zamfara State, to engage directly with residents and demonstrate the government's commitment to restoring security and confidence among the population.

Beyond military actions, the caucus called for an extraordinary increase in funding for the national security campaign, potentially drawing $5 billion from the nation's external reserves if necessary. They argued that protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens should be the government's primary responsibility and that no expenditure is more fundamental than ensuring their security.