Zamfara, Nigeria – The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State, citing the escalating insecurity and the inability of the state government to effectively address the crisis. The UDC’s demand follows a surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and armed banditry in the northern state, which has become one of the epicenters of insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UDC, a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations, expressed grave concern over the continued instability in Zamfara, where criminal elements have continued to wreak havoc across several local government areas. The coalition warned that unless decisive action is taken, the state could slip further into lawlessness, affecting both the security of the people and the state’s socio-economic development.
The Rising Tide of Insecurity in Zamfara
Zamfara State has for years been grappling with a severe security crisis, with armed bandits and other criminal groups terrorizing communities. The situation worsened in 2021 when the state became a hotspot for kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks on farmers, who have been targeted by bandits seeking to control the fertile land in the region.
In recent weeks, there has been an alarming increase in violent attacks, with bandits operating with impunity, raiding villages, abducting citizens for ransom, and engaging in violent confrontations with security forces. The attacks have left hundreds dead, displaced thousands, and created an atmosphere of fear among the people of Zamfara. Despite efforts by the state and federal governments to combat the crisis, including the deployment of military personnel and the establishment of security task forces, the security situation remains precarious, with the government struggling to contain the rising threat.
The UDC’s call for a state of emergency comes as the situation appears to be spiraling out of control, with large swathes of rural Zamfara increasingly being controlled by criminal groups. The coalition argues that the state government, despite efforts to combat the insurgency, has proven incapable of bringing lasting peace to the region, and as a result, a more drastic intervention is needed to restore law and order.
UDC’s Call for a State of Emergency
In the statement issued by the coalition, UDC Chairman, Alhaji Musa Bello, expressed the group’s frustration with the current security situation, stating that the persistent violence and insecurity in Zamfara had reached a point where the ordinary citizen’s safety could no longer be guaranteed. Bello emphasized that the government’s response to the security crisis had been inadequate, and as such, urgent and far-reaching measures needed to be taken to restore peace.
“The security situation in Zamfara has deteriorated to unprecedented levels. It is evident that the current security strategies have failed to curb the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminality,” Bello said. “The continued attacks on citizens, the widespread kidnapping, and the destruction of lives and properties necessitate that the federal government take extraordinary measures. We, therefore, call for the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State.”
The coalition argued that a state of emergency would allow for a more comprehensive and coordinated response to the security situation. It would provide the federal government with greater powers to deploy security forces and coordinate military operations, which they believe are crucial to quelling the insurgency in the state. Additionally, the UDC advocates for a reorganization of the state’s security apparatus to ensure a more effective and unified response to the growing threats.
Bello also emphasized that the state of emergency should be coupled with an overhaul of the security strategy, with a focus on intelligence gathering, better training for security personnel, and improved coordination between various security agencies. The coalition believes that these measures will help not only to combat the immediate security threats but also to address the root causes of the insurgency in the region, which include poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms.
The Role of the Federal Government
The UDC’s call for a state of emergency in Zamfara also puts pressure on the federal government to take a more proactive role in addressing the crisis. The coalition stressed that the current security situation in the state is a national issue that affects the peace and stability of the entire country. Therefore, they believe it is imperative for the federal government to provide the necessary support and resources to tackle the security challenges in Zamfara.
The federal government has previously made attempts to address the issue, including ordering military and police operations aimed at curbing the activities of armed bandits. However, these operations have yielded limited success, with criminal groups finding new ways to adapt and evade security forces. The UDC now believes that the federal government must go beyond routine military interventions and consider more drastic actions, such as declaring a state of emergency, to stem the tide of violence.
In addition to increased military presence, the UDC has called for the establishment of a special intervention fund to support the rebuilding of communities affected by the insecurity. The coalition also wants the federal government to focus on socio-economic interventions that would tackle the root causes of insecurity in Zamfara, particularly addressing the issues of poverty, youth unemployment, and the lack of basic infrastructure.
Reactions from Political and Social Leaders
The UDC’s call for a state of emergency has elicited varied reactions from political leaders, security experts, and residents of Zamfara State. Some leaders have welcomed the suggestion, agreeing that the deteriorating security situation warrants stronger intervention from the federal government. They believe that a state of emergency would enable the military to take a more decisive stance against the armed groups terrorizing the state.
However, there are also concerns among some local leaders about the implications of a state of emergency. Critics argue that such a move might lead to further militarization of the state, potentially undermining the rights of citizens. They have raised concerns that the security forces might engage in heavy-handed tactics that could result in the violation of civil liberties and human rights, especially in communities that have already suffered from the impacts of violence and displacement.
Additionally, some political observers have warned that a state of emergency could create political instability in the state, as it could lead to a power vacuum and further alienate the local government. The risk of increased tension between the state government and federal authorities is also a significant concern.
The Road Ahead
As Zamfara State continues to battle with the forces of insecurity, it remains unclear whether the federal government will heed the UDC’s call for a state of emergency. While the idea of extraordinary measures may be necessary to address the magnitude of the crisis, the effectiveness of such a decision will depend largely on the execution and coordination of security forces, as well as the commitment to addressing the underlying issues contributing to the insurgency.
For now, the people of Zamfara remain in a constant state of fear, with many calling for swift and effective action to restore peace and stability. The UDC’s plea for a state of emergency has amplified the voices of concerned citizens and political groups who believe that the time for decisive action has come.
The situation in Zamfara State is a stark reminder of the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, where the rise in insurgency, banditry, and criminal violence continues to undermine the safety and development of communities. As discussions continue over how best to address the insecurity in Zamfara, the call for a state of emergency highlights the urgency with which these issues must be addressed to safeguard the future of the state and its people.
