Why banditry in Zamfara must end

 

On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a military crackdown on bandits operating in rural communities in Zamfara state, following fresh attacks on some communities in Shinkafi and Maradun local government areas.
To enable the army carry out this new mandate, the President approved the request of the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd) for the stationing of a full battalion of Special Forces in Zamfara State, and the operationalization of the newly-established 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto in the new Order of Battle (OBAT). The President also approved the movement of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army from Sokoto to Gusau upon the take-off of the 8 Division.
So far, and regrettably, no official reason has been given for the fresh attacks on some communities in Shinkafi and Maradun local government areas nor has there been any arrest in connection with the crimes.
This is so mainly because the security personnel whose duties include the prevention of crime and arrest of criminals have failed in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Had they been alive to their duties, criminals would not have had the opportunity to invade the villages, maim and kill the villagers.
The security agents must, therefore, wake up to meet the challenges of their work by protecting lives and property of the people who, at least for now, in what can be described as an unfortunate situation, are forced to defend themselves in Zamfara state.
There is no gain saying that any threat to the peace and securing of the people, particularly in the Northern part of the country that is currently being ravaged by the menace of Boko Haram, should not be tolerated.
Of course, it’s gratifying to note that the security agents are concerned about the situation in Zamfara state and have recently deployed a helicopter for the aerial patrol of the troubled areas, but the security agents can and must do better to save lives and property.
On its part, the government needs to be proactive in matters relating to the issue of security in the state. In order to prevent the occurrence of such crimes in the state, it is essential for the government to investigate and determine the cause(s) of the previous attacks and arrest and prosecute those found to be responsible for the incessant mayhems.

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