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The problematic state of insecurity in the North became the subject of debate in the Senate on Monday when the upper legislative chamber expressed concerns over the infiltration of the Lakurawa terrorists from Mali and Burkina Faso into Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, other states in the North West and Niger State in the North Central. It noted that the phenomenon has attained international dimension and called on the military to develop early warning mechanisms to be able to cut short emerging threats. The concerns so far raised by all sections of the nation refreshingly indicate a more concerted effort this time to terminate the activities of terror-mongers in the long-troubled North.
The Senate directed the military to work with affected communities and security agencies, while urging the Federal Government to send an assessment team to the endangered areas to estimate the extent of damage and determine the immediate relief needs of the affected families.
The resolutions of the Senate followed a motion titled, “Urgent Need for the Federal Government to Adopt Stringent Measures to Stop the Infiltration of a Group of Violent Terrorists Known as Lakurawa from Entrenching themselves in some North Western Parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States.”
It was sponsored by former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North) as well as Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) pointed out that the invasion of the terrorists was a new movement that the Senate must urgently end while former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), who explained that this was not the first time the Lukarawa was invading Nigeria, recalled that in 2018, when he was still governor, they Invaded the state and he had to cry to the Federal government for intervention and security agencies came to the rescue of the state.
“We need to nip the situation in the bud; they have international connections, heavily armed with very dangerous weapons – the federal government should take the matter very seriously,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) added its voice to the discourse by stressing that there was a need for public awareness to educate the people on the importance of self-defence in the North, given the state of insecurity in that part of the country.
While making opening remarks at the ACF National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman(SAN), emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the deteriorating situation. The chairman highlighted the alarming rate of attacks, kidnappings and killings in the region, noting that these incidents had become too common.
He said the North’s security challenges were not only a regional concern but also a national issue that required immediate attention.
Osuman warned that the worsening state of insecurity should be a clarion call to action.
According to him, “It is imperative for leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to come together to address the region’s challenges and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for all. The North is currently under siege from various threats, including bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and unjust treatment. We must come together to address these challenges.
“As leaders, we must demonstrate prudence and concern for domestic and environmental problems affecting our region. It is imperative that our governors and legislators work synergistically with traditional leaders to combat the ills plaguing our region.
“We must address the internal crimes perpetrated by our own sons and daughters, and work towards preventing these trends. There is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate our people on the importance of self-defenceand preservation. We must develop local strategies to combat illegal mining by foreigners and locals in our region.”
On its part, the United Nations called for the establishment of a Trust Fund for the victims of terrorism and violent extremism to empower and support the survivors. In the opinion of the UN, the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and other violent extremists have caused hardship, displacement and deaths of thousands of persons.
The organisation’s Director-General of Counter-Terrorism Centre, Mauro Miedico, stated this on Wednesday at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Abuja, during the launch of the model legislative provisions.
He said: “The establishment of the Victims Trust Fund under the Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022 is key to supporting victims and empowering survivors with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria’s northeast region has faced considerable hardship with Boko Haram’s violence causing thousands of deaths, widespread displacement and community devastation.”
The UN official also promised that the organisation would partner with the Nigerian government to ensure that victims of terrorism are empowered.
“By partnering with the Nigerian government, we aim to foster resilience, empower survivors and reinforce a shared vision of justice, peace and stability. As we continue this journey, I look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Nigeria together with the momentum generated by the Abuja process, we can ensure that the rights and dignity of victims and survivors are upheld and that terrorism devastating impact is met with strength, justice and unity,” he said.
In response, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the federal government was sensitive to addressing the needs of terrorism victims.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar, said the government was committed to upholding the rights of the victims of terrorism.
He said: “As government, we recognise the importance of addressing the needs of victims, as indeed the scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over our nation, leaving behind a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma. It is, therefore, imperative that we not only combat terrorism but also provide comprehensive support to its victims. Nigeria has taken significant strides in recent years to enhance its counterterrorism efforts.
“The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, with its provisions for the Victim Support Trust Fund, represents a crucial step in providing tangible support to victims of terrorism. The Attorney-General’s office, as the custodian of the law, is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of these provisions and the Model Legal Provisions.”
Some commentators have noted that if the concerns so far expressed against insecurity are reified by practical efforts to boost military intelligence and fire power, all forms of terrorism and banditry in the North may soon fizzle out in the North and eventually other parts of the country where they exist.
