…As bandits turn roads into minefields

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Zamfara State Chapter, under the able leadership of the State Chairman, Alhaji Surajo Garba Maikatako, has strongly condemns the reported planting of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by suspected bandits along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Alkasimu Mustapha Kayatawa, this disturbing development signifies a dangerous escalation in the security crisis confronting Zamfara State.

“The adoption of IEDs on public roads by criminal elements introduces is even more terrifying dimension to an already devastating conflict and places innocent motorists, commuters, farmers, traders and security personnel at grave risk”, he added.

“The NDC is deeply concerned that while communities across Zamfara continue to endure killings, kidnappings, displacement and now the emerging threat of roadside explosives, the Nigerian state has repeatedly demonstrated that it possesses the capacity to mobilise massive security resources whenever it considers an assignment a national priority”

“The reported deployment of about 30 Commissioners of Police and thousands of security personnel for the recent Osun State election raises a legitimate and urgent question”

“If Nigeria can mobilise such enormous security resources to protect an election, why can it not demonstrate the same urgency and scale of mobilisation to protect the lives of citizens in Zamfara State?

“Elections are important to democracy, but the protection of human life is the first responsibility of government. The people of Zamfara should not be made to feel that securing ballot boxes attracts greater national urgency than securing their lives, homes, farms and highways”

“The incident in Bukkuyum must therefore not be treated as another routine security report. The emergence of IEDs on our roads demands an immediate review of security strategy, enhanced intelligence gathering, explosive-ordnance capabilities, sustained patrols and a stronger security presence along vulnerable roads and communities”

“The NDC Zamfara State Chapter calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently reinforce security operations across Bukkuyum and other vulnerable parts of Zamfara State, secure the Gurusu–Gwashi corridor and other major roads, and prevent criminal groups from normalising the use of explosive devices against innocent citizens”

“We equally call on the Zamfara State Government to intensify collaboration with federal security agencies, strengthen community-based intelligence gathering and ensure that affected communities receive the protection and support they desperately need”

“Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced. Our roads must not now become minefields”

“The people of Zamfara State are Nigerians. Their lives matter, their security matters, and they deserve the same urgency, manpower and national attention deployed to protect elections anywhere in the country”

“The NDC stands in solidarity with the people of Bukkuyum and all communities affected by insecurity across Zamfara State. We pray for the safety of our people and reaffirm our commitment to continue demanding accountability, decisive security action and responsible governance until every citizen can travel, farm, trade and sleep without fear.

“Enough of managing insecurity. Zamfara deserves security.”