The Zamfara State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of banditry in Zurmi, Maradun, and Anka Local Government Areas. The party is calling for more effective strategies to address the growing insecurity in the region.
Mourning Slain Police Officers
The NDC also mourned three police officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit who lost their lives while on duty along the Bagega–Anka Road. In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Murtala Gusau, the NDC described the attacks on communities and security personnel as unfortunate and condemnable.
Call for Urgent Measures
The party stressed the need for urgent and coordinated measures to tackle the worsening security situation in the state. Reacting to a recent BBC interview granted by Governor Dauda Lawal, the NDC expressed surprise at the governor's remarks, in which he reportedly stated that he did not promise to end insecurity immediately during his election campaign.
According to the party, this comment has generated concern among residents who continue to face bandit attacks, killings, kidnappings, and displacement. “The statement has raised concerns among residents who are daily confronted with banditry, killings, kidnappings and displacement,” the party said.
Condolences and Equipment Demands
The NDC, led in the state by Alhaji Surajo Garba Mai Katako, extended its condolences to the Zamfara State Police Command and the families of the three EOD officers. The officers died after their operational vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by bandits along the Bagega–Anka highway.
“The party received with shock the news of how our three gallant EOD police officers lost their lives in the course of their duty,” the statement added. The party called on the Federal Government to urgently provide security agencies operating in Zamfara and the wider North-West region with necessary equipment and logistics to combat criminal elements effectively.
“The persistent attacks on communities are unfortunate. Without adequate logistics such as armoured vehicles, drones and explosive-detection equipment, our officers will remain exposed to IEDs and ambushes,” the statement said. The NDC further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
