Amid rising insecurity in Zamfara State, stakeholders have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency to address the escalating violence and protect the lives and properties of citizens in the region.
Over the past months, Zamfara has witnessed an alarming increase in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and brutal assaults, perpetrated by criminal groups operating with impunity. Local communities have been left in a constant state of fear, with many losing their homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. The failure to curb the activities of these criminal elements has brought the state to a tipping point.
The call for a state of emergency comes as humanitarian crises continue to unfold, with thousands of displaced persons seeking refuge in neighboring regions. The economic activities of the state have also been severely impacted, further exacerbating the suffering of the people. With the current security apparatus unable to contain the situation, there is a growing consensus that extraordinary measures are required.
Several civic groups, human rights organizations, and prominent leaders from across the country have expressed their concerns and urged the federal government to take decisive action. A state of emergency, they argue, will empower the government to deploy additional resources, personnel, and legal instruments to restore peace, ensure the safety of the people, and eliminate criminal networks.
"We cannot afford to watch Zamfara descend further into chaos. The loss of innocent lives, destruction of properties, and suffering of the people must be stopped," said a spokesperson from the National Coalition for Peace and Security (NCPS). "A state of emergency is a critical step toward reclaiming the state and giving its citizens a chance at a safe and secure future."