Bandits operate unchallenged in our communities, Kebbi reps lament

Lawmakers from Kebbi in the house of representatives say bandits operate without restriction in the state.

The lawmakers spoke during plenary on Wednesday while sponsoring a motion of urgent public importance titled: “Need to call on the federal government to stop the ongoing banditry attacks on Kebbi south senatorial district”.

Leading the debate on the motion, Tanko Sununu, lead sponsor, said the killings and abductions had left many children orphaned.

TheCable had reported how more than 60 vigilante operatives were killed after gunmen invaded communities in Kebbi state.

The vigilantes were ambushed while going after gunmen who had attacked residents and abducted several others in the area.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Sununu said: “Kebbi state had been previously reputed as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria until a few years ago.

“Insecurity in Kebbi south senatorial district has brought untold hardship, loss of precious lives and properties in those areas, causing humanitarian crisis as a result of the geometrical explosion in internally displaced persons from many towns.

“About 10 days ago, bandits from neighbouring states invaded the area, killing many people including women and children, and kidnapped many people, rustled cattle and returned back to their base unchallenged.

“In the last six months, similar incursions led to the kidnap of several people, including students of federal government college, some of whom are still in captivity.

“In the last three days—still ongoing, bandits are operating in the area unchallenged, the current attack is unprecedented, with the killing of more than 60 local volunteers.

“These current attacks have left many women widows, many children as orphans and many families in disarray and abject misery. It has also brought down economic activities. Many schools are deserted by students and teachers despite the fact that the academic calendar is still on.”

The lawmaker said if urgent action is not taken, “the attacks will make the area ungovernable”.

“This has the potential of spreading to other parts of the country even as it constitutes a major threat to the corporate entity of Nigeria,” he added.

After ruling on the motion, the house asked the federal government “to mobilise military, ground and air troops, and other security personnel to take the fight to the base of the bandits and bring the killings to an end within the shortest possible time”.

The lawmakers also demanded the declaration of a state of emergency on security in the north-west — and all other affected parts of the country.