The Nigerian Senate has expressed serious concern over escalating violence in Katsina State, particularly in the Funtua Zone, following attacks that killed at least 35 people within 24 hours across three local government areas.
The issue was raised through a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Dandutse Mohammed (Katsina South), which received strong backing from lawmakers. The Senate called for immediate federal intervention to stop the rising attacks and stressed that negotiations with armed groups should be avoided.
Senator Dandutse noted that the violence has severely disrupted life in the region, including an ambush on Mobile Police personnel in Guga, Bako Local Government Area, which left three officers dead and two critically injured. The attacks have rendered more than 50,000 farmlands inaccessible, threatening food security and the livelihoods of residents in this largely agrarian zone.
The Senate observed a one-minute silence in memory of those killed during the attacks, underscoring the urgency of stabilizing the region and protecting its citizens.
Lawmakers highlighted the need for increased military presence and infrastructure, urging President Bola Tinubu to follow through on his commitment to establish a military barracks in Funtua.
They also recommended enhanced technology, additional troop deployment, and stronger coordination between security agencies and local communities.
The chamber resolved to Request President Tinubu to establish a military barracks in Funtua Zone, direct the Inspector-General of Police to equip the new police squadron with at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers, urge the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief to affected families.
