Reps Minority Caucus Urges Tinubu to End Northern Nigeria Killings

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has issued an urgent plea to President Bola Tinubu, demanding immediate action to quell the escalating violence, terrorism, and mass abductions plaguing Northern Nigeria. The lawmakers described the situation as intolerable, warning that the continuous loss of life and displacement are deepening insecurity and helplessness among residents.

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This is no longer a situation that can be addressed principally through statements of condemnation after every attack.

In a statement signed by its leader, Fredrick Agbedi, and spokesman, Afam Ogene, the caucus highlighted recent deadly attacks across several northern states. They reported that over 20 people were killed in recent incidents, including at least 23 victims in Plateau State's Mangu Local Government Area. Further atrocities include the abduction of over 60 worshippers in Niger State and the killing of at least 40 people, including a Chief Imam, in Sokoto State's Ungushi community.

The caucus also pointed to the killing of at least 30 people in Kaduna State's Naridon village and recurring reprisal attacks in Katsina State, which have instilled widespread fear. The ongoing absence of schoolchildren abducted in Borno State months ago was also noted.

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We are calling on the President to lock down the affected theatres of operation, dominate the territory and sweep the forests, hideouts and criminal enclaves where terrorists and bandits operate.

"This is no longer a situation that can be addressed principally through statements of condemnation after every attack," the lawmakers stated, advocating for a robust, intelligence-driven security response. They urged President Tinubu to implement a large-scale operation, similar to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, to reclaim territories occupied by terrorists and criminal gangs. The objective, they stressed, should be to neutralize criminal elements and rescue hostages, rather than imposing restrictions on innocent citizens.

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Such an operation must be intelligence-led, professionally executed and sustained until the criminal elements are neutralised and the abducted citizens rescued.