A member of the House of Representatives representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Sani Yakubu, has raised alarm, saying jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local bandits operating in Tangaza Local Government of the state have imposed a tax on farmers in the area.
Revealing that the terrorists within the areas had joined forces, Yakubu said they had apparently vowed to make life difficult for the people who are predominantly farmers.
He said 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.
After the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones a befitting burial.
The people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers and terrorists have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities, if the communities refuse to pay tax. If this threat is allowed, it will seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the military to deploy more personnel and hardwares to comb the forests to flush out the criminals. It further asked the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials to victims of the unfortunate attack.
Also speaking on the issue yesterday, the member representing Ideato South and North seat federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, said it was worrisome to have terrorists from the neighbouring African countries imposing taxes on Nigerian farmers.
Ugochinyere said the development was tantamount to a threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria.
He, however, expressed optimism that the current administration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would flush the criminals out.
It’s worrisome and it threatens our sovereignty as a nation. Just as the House resolved, it requires urgent attention.
He said, our security agencies need to re-strategize to flush out criminals and terrorists. With the resolve and commitment of the present administration, I have no doubt that soon, they will be defeated.
Meanwhile, Army chief, Lagbaja rules out amnesty for bandits, terrorists.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, described the amnesty programme for bandits and terrorists in Zamfara and other states, as a failed programme.
Lagbaja spoke when he hosted Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State in Abuja. The army chief said the programme failed to achieve its purposes in the past, noting that it only allowed criminals to regroup, reorganise and attack citizens.
The issue of amnesty has created an avenue for them to regroup and reorganise to launch attacks on our defenceless citizens.
Speaking on the feedback on the activities of troops deployed to restore peace in the state, Lagbaja said he has directed the deployment of more platforms and the release of funds to reactivate unserviceable ones to boost troops operations in the state.
Earlier, Governor Lawal said Zamfara has been facing challenging security threats and appealed for the support of the army and also the support of the chief of army staff and his entire team in bringing peace to Zamfara, as well as Nigeria in general.
Apparently responding to the order given by President Bola Tinubu on the killings in Plateau and Benue on Tuesday, troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, deployed to quell the crisis in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, yesterday neutralized three bandits in the area.
A statement from Army headquarters said they obliterated the criminals when they gallantly fought through an ambush staged by the bandits while responding to a distress call in Mangu general area.
Kaduna State chairman of CAN, Rev. John Hayab, react strongly and condemn the imposition of taxes on Sokoto farmers by bandits from Niger, Mali, and Libya.
He emphasized that collaboration between nations is necessary to dismantle these networks and protect the livelihoods of farmers.
We must prioritize the safety of civilians and provide support to affected farmers to ensure long-term security and stability in the region.
