…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Confrontation with Bandits in Zamfara State: Four Bandits Killed, 24 Kidnap Victims Rescued
In a recent clash between troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and bandits in Zamfara State, at least four bandits were killed.
The Nigerian Army confirmed this development in a statement issued on Friday.
Additionally, the Army announced the successful rescue of 24 individuals who had been kidnapped by the bandits.
Successful Rescue Operation against Bandits
According to the statement released by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the victims were freed following a fierce gun battle on Friday morning.
The operation was carried out by the troops of 223 Battalion, operating under Sector 1 of Joint Task Force, North West Operations Hadarin Daji.
The rescue took place in Kabugu Lamba, an abandoned village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
During the operation, the troops engaged the notorious bandits in a fierce ‘firefight,’ resulting in the elimination of four bandits.
The rescued individuals include a child, nine females, and fourteen males.
They have been safely evacuated from the kidnappers’ hideout by the troops.
Concerns Over Bandit Attacks in Katsina, Gombe, and Ondo States
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the federal government to take decisive action in addressing the incessant attacks by bandits on communities in Katsina, Gombe, and Ondo States.
Lawmakers Aminu Babale, Inuwa Garba, and Timehin Adelegbe raised separate motions in the House, expressing their concerns over the killings and abductions in their respective constituencies.
In Katsina State, Babale, who represents Dutsin-Ma/Kurfi federal constituency, highlighted the vulnerability of communities such as Tashar Yaro, Koza, Kudewa, Geza, Sauyawa, Tamawa, and Maileda to bandit attacks.
He emphasized the negative impact of these attacks on farming productivity and warned of potential economic consequences, including increased youth restiveness.
Garba, representing Yamaltu Deba federal constituency, drew attention to the annual clashes between farmers and herders in Gombe State.
These clashes have resulted in loss of lives and property during harvest periods in the local government area.
Adelegbe, from Ondo State, raised concerns about the alleged killings and kidnappings of innocent citizens in communities such as Ijagba, Imoru, Molete, Arimogija, Ute, and Okeluse in Ose LGA.
He highlighted the recent case of Mr. Isaac Ohimeren and his son, Solomon Ohimeren, who were victims of kidnapping.
While the father was tragically murdered, the son was released after a ransom payment.
House of Representatives Urges Government Intervention
The House of Representatives adopted the motions put forward by the lawmakers and called on President Bola Tinubu-led government to address the security challenges faced by the affected communities across the three states.
As a response, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the situation in Katsina and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.