Stop killings in Northern Nigeria, Reps minority caucus begs Tinubu

The Minority Caucus of Nigeria's House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to curb the growing violence, terrorism, banditry, killings, and mass abductions plaguing Northern Nigeria. In a statement issued on Thursday, the lawmakers, led by Fredrick Agbedi, expressed deep concern over the escalating number of attacks across states such as Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Katsina, where dozens of residents have been killed or abducted.

The caucus demanded a sustained, intelligence-led military and security operation to reclaim territories held by terrorists and criminal gangs. They cited recent attacks killing over 20 people, including at least 23 victims in Plateau State's Mangu Local Government Area and over 60 worshippers abducted in Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area.

In Sokoto State, at least 40 people, including the Chief Imam, were killed in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area. The lawmakers also criticized the continued absence of abducted schoolchildren from Borno State. They urged Tinubu to replicate the successful rescue strategy from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, emphasizing the need for intensive security operations in affected areas.

The caucus stressed that the objective should be to restrict the operational space of criminal groups, rather than imposing restrictions on innocent citizens. They also demanded that Tinubu visit Zamfara State and meet with communities affected by insecurity, highlighting the importance of the President's physical presence in these areas to restore confidence among affected populations.

Beyond military operations, the lawmakers called for a significant increase in funding for the national security campaign, proposing the drawing of $5 billion from the nation's external reserves if necessary. They urged the President to forward the amendment to increase the salaries of military personnel to the National Assembly without delay.

The caucus also expressed concern over the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling for his immediate release and criticizing the broader implications for the government's anti-corruption campaign.