A House of Representative member from Zamfara state, Sani Jaji has hinted that the safety of children in schools in some parts of Northern Nigeria is under threat as bandits continue to kidnap students and staff.
Jaji, who represents Kaura-Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, spoke to journalists in Abuja after the recent abductions of students at the Federal University Gusau and another incident in Katsina.
He said the people of his constituency and other areas affected by banditry live in constant fear and anxiety, which has negative impacts on the education sector in Northern Nigeria.
“Addressing the issue through motion, discussing killings in various constituencies, observing a minute of silence, and calling on security agencies to take action, has not provided solution to the problem.”
He called for a more concerted and sincere effort by both the Federal and State Governments to tackle the insecurity problem in the country, especially in the North.
He noted that each state has its own peculiar security challenges, but the North remains the most vulnerable region.
Jaji also emphasized the need for public enlightenment on the security situation in Zamfara State and the entire North-West region, and cautioned against politicizing security matters.
He said the recent disagreement between the Zamfara State government and the Federal government over the issue of dialogue with bandits has worsened the security crisis in the state.
“The Minister of Defense claimed that community-led dialogue with the bandits did not involve federal government intervention, but the presence of military personnel during such dialogues raises questions.
“These concerns intensify as incidents like the kidnapping of Federal University Gusau students follow purported dialogues, prompting public figures to call for a holistic approach to address the insecurity crisis decisively.”
He said, “insecurity in the North-West is a matter of great concern, as the lives and properties of the people should not be subject to political maneuvering.”
