The Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the reported planting of an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, by suspected bandits along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state.
The party made its position known in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alkasimu Mustapha Kayatawa, describing the development as a dangerous escalation of the security challenges confronting the state.
The NDC said the reported use of IEDs on public roads had introduced a new dimension to the insecurity, putting motorists, commuters, farmers, traders and security personnel at risk.
The party questioned the deployment of about 30 Commissioners of Police and thousands of security personnel for the recent Osun State governorship election, asking why similar resources could not be mobilised to protect residents of Zamfara.
“Elections are important to democracy, but the protection of human life is the first responsibility of government.
The people of Zamfara should not be made to feel that securing ballot boxes attracts greater national urgency than securing their lives, homes, farms and highways,” the party said.
The NDC called for an immediate review of the security strategy in Bukkuyum and other vulnerable areas, including enhanced intelligence gathering, improved explosive-ordnance capabilities, sustained patrols and stronger security presence along vulnerable roads and communities.
It also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to reinforce operations across Bukkuyum, secure the Gurusu-Gwashi corridor and other major roads, and prevent criminal groups from normalising the use of explosive devices against civilians.
The party called on the Zamfara State Government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and improve community-based intelligence gathering to ensure affected communities receive adequate protection.
“Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced. Our roads must not now become minefields,” the NDC said.
The party said residents of Zamfara deserved the same level of urgency, manpower and national attention deployed to protect elections across the country.
Insecurity: NDC demands urgent action over IED threat in Zamfara