Jihadists from Niger, Mali,  Libya Have Taken Over Sokoto, House Member Cries Out

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A member of Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Sani Yakubu in the House of Representatives has raised the alarm that jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local bandits have taken over Tangaza Local Government of Sokoto State.

The lawmaker raised the alarm while moving a motion on the floor of the House yesterday on the need to end killings, banditry, kidnappings and cattle rustling in Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State

Moving the motion, Yakubu narrated that on July 1, 2023, bandits attacked three communities namely: Raka, Raka Dutse and Filingawa in Tangaza Local Government killing 45 people, while some sustained gunshot  injuries and are currently receiving treatments at the  General Hospital Gwadabawa.

He added that the bandits also rustled livestocks, looted shops  houses and  razed storage facilities.  The lawmaker noted that the attack was not unconnected with the communities’ refusal to succumb to bandit’s imposition of levies and purported laws announced by the criminals.

He explained that the  constituency is surrounded by two forests,Tsauna Forest, that stretches over to Gwadabawa, Illela and Niger Republic and Kuyan Bana Forest, that stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.

Yakubu added: “Worried that the two forests house two terrorist groups, the Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local Bandits terrorising the area. The two used to be sworn enemies, but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area;

“Disturbed that after the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones befitting burial.”

The lawmaker noted that  considering the fact that  the people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers, terrorists have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities if the communities refuse to pay.

Yakubu said if threat is allowed, it would seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.

To this end, the House called on the military to deploy more troops and hardwares to Sokoto State to curtail banditry, killings and cattle rustling in the state.

It  urged the military to deploy more personnel and hardwares to comb the forests to flush out criminals.

The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the unfortunate attack.

It further mandated the Committees on Defence, Army, Airforce, Police Affairs and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (when constituted) to ensure implementation.