Abbas: Reps have taken measures to prevent return of banditry in parts of Kaduna

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the lower chamber of the national assembly is taking measures to curb the resurgence of banditry in Zaria, Kaduna state.

Banditry remains a challenge to the security and development of local communities in Kaduna.

Abbas spoke on the security situation on Friday during a condolence visit to Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau in Zaria, following the partial collapse of a central mosque which killed several people and injured many on August 11.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Musa Krishi, Abbas’ media aide, the speaker was quoted as saying his visit was also to offer condolences over the bandits’ attack that claimed two lives in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria on August 12.

The speaker said the national assembly would prevent a reoccurrence of the attacks.

Krishi quoted Abbas as saying that the military would establish a formation around some flashpoints to curtail future attacks on communities in Zaria and its environs.

Abbas said: “I want to assure you that based on the way banditry wants to return, we in the house have taken some measures.

“We have started engaging the military, and they will come and establish a formation around the female school at the Kofar Gayan axis. They have assured us that they would do that.”

The speaker added that he is ready to “contribute to the rebuilding” of the damaged mosque.