- The Nigerian Senate raised alarm over escalating bandit attacks in Katsina’s Funtua Zone, where at least 35 people were killed within 24 hours
- Senators urged President Tinubu to establish a military barracks, equip police with armoured vehicles, and provide immediate relief to affected families
- The attacks forced over 50,000 farmlands to remain uncultivated, threatening food security and livelihoods in the largely agrarian region
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday expressed profound concern over the escalating security crisis in Katsina State, particularly across the Funtua Zone, following a wave of bandit attacks that reportedly claimed no fewer than 35 lives within a single 24-hour period. Lawmakers urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action, including fulfilling his earlier pledge to establish a military barracks in the area, while warning against any form of negotiation with armed groups terrorising rural communities.
The matter was raised through a motion of urgent public importance under Order 42, sponsored by Senator Dandutse Mohammed, who represents Katsina South. The motion called for comprehensive federal intervention to halt the rising tide of violence in the region. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, admitted the motion for debate after it received overwhelming support from fellow senators.
In presenting the motion, Senator Dandutse highlighted the devastating impact of the attacks, including an ambush on personnel of the Mobile Police Force in Guga, Bako Local Government Area, which left three policemen dead and two others critically injured. According to the lawmaker, at least 35 people were killed across the Funtua Zone in less than 24 hours: 24 in Faskari Local Government Area, eight in Bakori, two in Funtua Local Government Area, and one in Kankara Local Government Area.
Senator Dandutse also warned that the persistent violence had forced more than 50,000 farmlands to remain uncultivated, posing serious threats to food security, agricultural productivity, and the livelihoods of residents in the largely agrarian zone. “The continuous bandit attacks on communities will significantly affect food production and agricultural activities, as more than 50,000 farmlands are presently inaccessible, thereby jeopardising food security and the livelihoods of the people,” he said.
The senator called on President Tinubu and security agencies to ensure rapid and sustained intervention until all criminal elements are neutralised, stressing the urgency of fulfilling the pledge to establish a military barracks in the Funtua Zone.
Following the debate, the Senate resolved to urge the President to establish the promised military barracks; direct the Inspector-General of Police to equip the newly established police squadron in the area with at least three armoured personnel carriers; and call on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to affected families and communities.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau confirmed that the Federal Government had already instructed the military to intensify operations in Katsina, particularly along the Funtua axis, signalling a commitment to bolstering security and curbing the spread of banditry in the state.
The renewed attacks have heightened national concerns about insecurity in northern Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated federal, state, and local efforts to protect lives, sustain agriculture, and restore peace in the region.