Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in Zamfara State and the broader North-West region, describing it as a worsening humanitarian disaster that requires immediate national intervention.
Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly on Monday, Jaji, who represents Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, painted a bleak picture of communities under siege by armed non-state actors. He decried the loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, and the insufficient response from authorities.
“In my constituency alone, more than 200 individuals are still being held by kidnappers,” he revealed. “Communities like Banga, Kurya Maduro, and Gawaki have suffered multiple attacks. Innocent lives are being taken, families torn apart, and villages deserted. The cries of our people are met with silence.”
Jaji expressed dismay that hopes raised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promises to prioritize security have not materialized, as the violence in the region has only intensified.
“We assured our constituents that change would come with the new administration, but sadly, things have grown worse,” he noted.
He recounted a horrifying incident in Banga where 60 residents were abducted. Despite a ransom of N30 million being paid, ten hostages were killed by their captors, a tragedy he described as both cruel and unjustifiable.
“People pooled their resources in a desperate bid to save loved ones, only to receive lifeless bodies in return. This is not just a lapse in security; it is a failure of our constitutional and moral obligations,” he said.
Jaji went on to share distressing accounts of brutality from his constituency. Among them, the abduction and killing of an epileptic boy who was tortured before being shot, and the harrowing story of a pregnant woman who gave birth to twins in captivity, only for the babies to be snatched and fed to dogs by the assailants.
“This is not mere criminality, it is savagery,” he said. “The atrocities being committed are beyond comprehension. No Nigerian should endure such terror.”
The lawmaker also warned that the insecurity has paralyzed rural economies, especially farming communities that can no longer access their lands, leading to deepening poverty and widespread displacement.
He expressed disappointment over the federal government’s lack of urgency, disclosing that his formal appeal to the Minister of Defence yielded no concrete response.
“It is our duty to ensure the safety of our people. When we fail to do so, we fail in our primary role as leaders,” he asserted.
Jaji called for a coordinated and inclusive approach to tackling the crisis, emphasizing the importance of involving traditional rulers and grassroots actors in the security architecture.
“Our royal fathers have been sidelined, yet they are crucial to maintaining order. Reviving community-based security mechanisms is essential,” he stated.
Responding to questions about possible collaboration between criminals and insiders, Jaji acknowledged that criminal elements have exploited the vacuum in governance to entrench their operations. He stressed the need for actionable intelligence and stronger ties between law enforcement and local residents.
On the debate over foreign military support, he voiced skepticism, emphasizing that sustainable peace must stem from internal capacity and reform.
“Relying on foreign mercenaries may offer short-term gains, but the long-term solution lies in empowering local structures and institutions,” he maintained.
Jaji concluded by warning that continued neglect of insecurity in the North-West could have nationwide repercussions.
“This is no longer a localized issue, it’s a national crisis. If we do not act now, the consequences will engulf the entire country.”
He appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to unite in addressing the crisis.
“This transcends political interests. We are talking about human lives. Only a united front from government, civil society, traditional authorities, and citizens can free us from this nightmare. We all have a role to play in restoring peace.”