In a deeply unsettling revelation, Aminu Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives representing Zamfara State, has voiced profound alarm over the escalating insecurity plaguing his constituency. He detailed a series of horrific incidents, culminating in a chilling report that "bandits fed newborn twins to their dogs," painting a stark picture of the brutal reality faced by the people of Zamfara.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Jaji conveyed the sheer terror and lawlessness that has become rampant in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and other parts of his constituency. He described the situation as characterized by "crass lawlessness," with bandits operating with impunity, conducting mass kidnappings, launching relentless attacks, and instilling a pervasive sense of fear among the population.
The escalating violence has displaced countless residents, forcing them to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Many communities now lie in ruins, a testament to the unchecked power of these criminal elements. Jaji, who previously served as the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, revealed that "over 200 attacks" have been documented across numerous communities, including Dayo, Banga, Gabaki, Korea, and Madura.
The lawmaker provided a harrowing update on a recent attack that occurred just two days prior, where 60 individuals were abducted in Banga. "The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million," Jaji stated, highlighting the financial motivations behind these acts of terror. "Out of those abducted, 10 were killed, and the fate of the remaining 50 hangs in the balance."
Despite promises of improved security from political leaders, Jaji lamented the lack of tangible progress in addressing the escalating crisis. "We gave assurances that if our party came to power, insecurity would become history. Unfortunately, the reality today is different," he said, expressing his deep disappointment and frustration.
The most shocking detail shared by Jaji was the heart-wrenching story of a pregnant woman abducted by bandits, who subsequently gave birth to twins while held captive. According to Jaji, the incident took a truly sinister turn when "the leader of the bandits took the twins and threw them to his dogs. The dogs ate the twins one by one." He added, his voice heavy with grief, "Where are we? This is the situation we need to urgently address."
Jaji emphasized that these incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather represent the everyday reality for the people of his constituency. "Our people are no longer safe; they cannot farm, they cannot trade, and many are internally displaced, unrecognized by both the state and federal governments," he said, highlighting the dire consequences of the unchecked violence on the local population.
The lawmaker criticized the perceived lack of adequate attention from the federal government, despite his efforts to engage with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant security stakeholders. He pointed out that Zamfara, once known as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, has now become a hotbed of criminal activity, where communities are terrorized and lives are routinely lost.
"Despite the introduction of Sharia and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the past, we are now ravaged by violence," Jaji remarked, underscoring the fact that the people of Zamfara deserve the same level of protection and support as any other region within the country.
He further emphasized that the security crisis in Zamfara is no longer a political issue but a matter of human lives, stating, "The 1999 Constitution, as amended, clearly states that the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government."
Jaji implored President Bola Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders to take urgent action to address the escalating insecurity in Zamfara, warning that if left unchecked, the problem could spread and engulf the entire nation. "People cry to us for help. They come in tears. They didn’t want to leave because they have nowhere to go, they are now moving because they have no other choice," he added, painting a poignant picture of the desperation and fear gripping the affected communities.
He called for a united and comprehensive response to the crisis, urging leaders across political and religious divides to rise above partisan politics and work together to find a lasting solution. "We must rise above politics. We must respond as people of faith and conscience. This is a national emergency," Jaji concluded, appealing to a sense of shared humanity in the face of unspeakable atrocities. The international community is watching, and the hope is that this plea will galvanize meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Zamfara.