Rep. Yakubu noted that the Tsauna and Kuyan Forests which surround Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency, stretch to Niger Republic and harbour both local bandits and terrorist groups called “the Lakurawa” from Niger, Mali and Libya.
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The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the military to deploy more personnel and hardware to comb the forests and flush out criminals from Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.
The lawmakers also mandated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the unfortunate attack, as it further observed a minute silence in honour of the victims who lost their lives in the cause of the attack.
The resolutions were sequel to a motion brought by Rep. Sani Alhaji Yakubu (APC, Sokoto) titled: ‘Call for an End to Killings, Banditry, Kidnappings and Cattle Rustling in Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.’
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“The House notes that on 1st July, 2023, bandits attacked three (3) Communities, namely Raka, Raka Dutse and Filingawa in Tangaza Local Government, killing forty-five (45) people while some sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatments at the General Hospital Gwadabawa, livestocks rustled, shops looted, houses and storage facilities burnt down;
Also notes that the attack was not unconnected with the communities’ refusal to succumb to bandit’s imposition of levies and purported laws announced by the criminals;
Aware that the constituency is surrounded by two (2) forests, the “Tsauna Forest” that stretches over to Gwadabawa, Illela and Niger Republic and “Kuyan Bana Forest” that stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.”
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“Worried that the two (2) forests house two (2) terrorist groups, the Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local Bandits terrorising the area.
The two (2) used to be sworn enemies but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area.
Disturbed that after the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones befitting burial;
Cognisant that the people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers and terrorist have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities if the communities refuse to pay tax if this threat is allowed it will seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.”
In adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committees on Defence, Army, Airforce, Police Affairs and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (when constituted) to ensure implementation.
