Nigerian Lawmakers Urge President Tinubu to Act Decisively Against Northern Terrorism and Banditry

The Minority Caucus of Nigeria's House of Representatives has issued a strong call to President Bola Tinubu, demanding immediate and decisive action to combat the escalating terrorism and banditry plaguing Northern Nigeria. The lawmakers described the scale and frequency of attacks as "intolerable," highlighting the devastating impact on civilians, including killings, abductions, and forced displacement.

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The scale and frequency of the attacks have become intolerable. Nigerians are being killed in their homes, on their farms, in their communities and even while observing prayers.

Recent incidents underscore the severity of the crisis. In Plateau State's Mangu Local Government Area, over 20 lives were lost in recent attacks, with one incident alone claiming at least 23 lives. Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area witnessed armed men abducting over 60 worshippers during Friday prayers. Sokoto State's Kebbe Local Government Area saw an attack on Ungushi community result in at least 40 deaths, including a Chief Imam. Kaduna State's Kaura Local Government Area reported 30 deaths in Naridon village, while Katsina State continues to suffer from bandit reprisals.

Families in Borno State live in anguish as children abducted from schools months ago remain missing. The caucus pointed to the prolonged suffering of families whose children were taken from classrooms in Mussa and Lassa, protesting and demanding government action. This situation, they stressed, requires more than just condemnatory statements after each attack.

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Families are being separated, children are being abducted from schools and entire communities are being forced to abandon their ancestral homes.

The Minority Caucus emphasized that Nigeria needs a "sustained, coordinated and overwhelming security response." They urged President Tinubu to adopt a decisive strategy, similar to the one used to rescue schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, applying it on a much larger scale. The lawmakers believe such an intelligence-led operation is crucial to reclaiming communities and restoring peace.

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This is no longer a situation that can be addressed principally through statements of condemnation after every attack. Nigeria requires a sustained, coordinated and overwhelming security response.