Rita Odafe
Femi Fani-Kayode, the former Minister of Aviation, has expressed deep concern after 35 individuals were killed and 223 others kidnapped by armed groups in Zamfara.
This tragic event took place in the Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji area of Zamfara State, as noted by Fani-Kayode.
The alarming statistics were shared with him by Aminu Sani Jaji, the local House of Representatives member, during a conversation last Thursday.
According to Fani-Kayode, Jaji, who chairs the House Committee on Ecological Funds, indicated that the assaults occurred across multiple villages and communities within his jurisdiction.
He enumerated the villages and corresponding fatalities as follows: Madira – 5, Dayau – 5, Kungurki – 5, Unguwa Sarkin Musulmi – 3, Yanruma – 1, Gabaken Mesa – 1, Gwamanan – 3, Yamutsawa – 2, Banga – 10, totaling 35 lives lost.
Additionally, he recorded the villages and the number of abducted individuals: Banga – 60, Gabake – 27, Madira – 25, Yanruma – 7, Gobirawa – 15, Gabaken Mesa – 23, Gwamanan – 2, Modomawa – 3, Yamutsawa – 30, Kungurki – 3, Kaiwa Lamba – 38, leading to a total of 225 kidnapped victims.
“If such a high number of people can be killed and taken in a single Federal constituency over just a few days, think about how many others are experiencing similar horrors across the state. It’s unimaginable. My heart aches for the citizens of Zamfara,” Fani-Kayode remarked.
While he acknowledged the efforts of local law enforcement in addressing the rampant insecurity, he urged for a decisive victory over these violent groups.
The former Minister advocated for increased backing and resources for the security forces involved in these operations.
“We need to rally behind them and provide what support we can, as they cannot achieve this alone. It must be a united effort,” he emphasized.
