APC Lawmaker Sounds Alarm Over Rising Bandit Attacks

The lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has raised concerns over the use of farmlands and forest reserves as safe havens for bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals. He made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking in an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Gagdi noted that many attacks in the state are reportedly coordinated from neighbouring states. He explained that forest reserves along the state’s boundaries, particularly near the Taraba border, have become operational bases for criminals, including those from the Northwest and Northeast regions, especially Zamfara.

“The forest reserve situated around the state’s boundary is where bandits have relocated to carry out attacks,” Gagdi said. “Farmers cannot access these areas due to their reserved status, which has allowed bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals to operate with impunity. From these locations, they plan and coordinate assaults on civilians.”

In a related development, notorious bandit leader Kachalla Ummaru cautioned security agencies against relying solely on force to address insecurity. Speaking on Saturday during peace talks between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, Ummaru warned that excessive killings could worsen the situation.

“If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said, emphasizing that violent crackdowns often escalate rather than resolve the crisis.