Insecurity In Zamfara: Group Urges Tinubu To Declare State Of Emergency

Insecurity In Zamfara: Group Urges Tinubu To Declare State Of Emergency

Amid worsening security challenges in Zamfara State, the Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice (NCAJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in the state.

The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna by its President, Mallam Kabiru Sani Bako, cited a complete breakdown of governance and alleged complicity of state officials in illegal mining operations. Bako argued that meaningful interventions are unlikely unless political control is removed from those allegedly benefitting from the ongoing crisis….READ MORE….

“What is unfolding in Zamfara is not governance, but a systemic neglect of duty by elected officials,” Bako stated. “With no functional House of Assembly, no clear political resolve to curb violence, and mounting allegations linking state actors to unlawful mining activities, the situation has gone beyond politics—this is a betrayal of public trust.”

Describing the situation as “a simmering conflict the nation ignores at great risk,” Bako highlighted that residents in affected areas are forced to pay levies to bandits for access to basic rights such as farming and travel. He noted that in towns like Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka, and Bukkuyum, schools are abandoned, markets are unsafe, and communities live under constant threat from non-state actors.

The group expressed further concern over the suspension of ten lawmakers who spoke against the deteriorating security situation, noting that the absence of a functioning legislative arm signifies a collapse of democratic governance.

According to Bako, there is credible evidence linking illegal mining revenues to the procurement of arms by criminal elements. “Those tasked with securing Zamfara are allegedly exploiting it for personal gain,” he added.

NCAJ is therefore urging President Tinubu to intervene decisively by invoking constitutional powers to impose a state of emergency and appoint a neutral administrator to restore order and rebuild institutions.

“The time for rhetoric is over. Lives are being lost, and governance has failed. Immediate action is imperative to prevent Zamfara from becoming a permanent hub for terrorist activities,” the group warned.

NCAJ has also pledged to submit a comprehensive report to the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser to support its call for federal intervention.