Hon. Sani Yakubu, a member Representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has expressed concern that jihadists from Niger, Mali, and Libya, as well as local bandits operating in Tangaza Local Government, had placed a tax on farmers in the area.
Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency is encircled by two woods, according to Yakubu, who revealed this when presenting a motion in plenary yesterday: Tsauna Forest, which stretches to Gwadabawa, Illela, and Niger Republic, and Kuyan Bana Forest, which also stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.
Yakubu revealed that the militants in the districts had joined forces and threatened to make life tough for the inhabitants, who are mostly farmers.
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate to permit his administration to go continue with the processing of a…
He said: “The two forests house two terrorist groups, the Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local bandits terrorising the area.
“The two 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.
“After the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones a befitting burial.
“The people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers and terrorists 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.”
Adopting the motion, the House requested the military to send more soldiers and equipment to search the forests for criminals. It also requested that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, support victims and farmers of the terrible attack with relief goods.
Speaking on the issue yesterday, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the member representing Imo State’s Ideato South and North federal constituency, said it was concerning to have terrorists from neighboring African nations putting taxes on Nigerian farmers.
Ugochinyere described the development as a danger to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He, on the other hand, expressed hope that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will flush out the crooks.
“It’s worrisome and it threatens our sovereignty as a nation. Just as the House resolved, it requires urgent attention.
“Our security agencies need to re-strategize to flush out criminals and terrorists. With the resolve and commitment of the present administration, I have no doubt that soon, they will be defeated,” he said.
