CNG initiates significant action to address Zamfara’s insecurity

…As FG sites military post near Gusau Varsity

By ABUBAKAR YUNUSA

In a commendable move towards finding lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity plaguing Zamfara state and the wider North-West region, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has achieved a breakthrough with the federal government.

Following a recent visit to Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, by a CNG delegation in response to a bandit attack on Gusau University and the subsequent abduction of female students, the group engaged with a spectrum of stakeholders.

These included state government officials, university authorities, affected families, community leaders, security agencies, and representatives from the academic community.

Of particular note, the university authorities expressed their gratitude to the military for their resolute efforts in protecting the university community. They underscored the importance of bolstering security measures within the campus to safeguard students, staff, and visitors.

Their recommendation included establishing a dedicated security outpost to replace the current mobile formation, securing the university’s surroundings with fortification fencing and security ditches.

Furthermore, they suggested the establishment of a commission, similar to the Niger Delta and North East Development Commissions, to coordinate efforts and resources for targeted development programs in Zamfara State and the entire North-West region.

However, they emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with the federal government to resolve the security situation.

In response to the CNG’s efforts, the Minister of State Defense, Bella Mohammed Matawale, directed the establishment of a permanent military outpost near the university campus, aligning with the university authorities’ request and CNG’s recommendations.

He clarified that the federal government was committed to addressing the security challenges in Zamfara and the region, emphasizing cooperation between the state and federal governments.

The Defense Minister praised the achievements of the troops and the collaborative spirit among frontline states, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolute stance against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.

Nastura Ashir Shariff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the CNG, lauded the federal government’s responsiveness and urged the government and security forces to tackle insurgency with determination and within the confines of the law. He emphasized the importance of genuine efforts to secure Zamfara’s citizens.
Recognizing the complexity of the North-West’s security situation, the CNG proposed deploying specially trained personnel and additional resources to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.

This significant development marks a positive step toward addressing insecurity in Zamfara and underscores the importance of collaboration between government bodies and civil organizations in tackling security challenges in Nigeria’s troubled regions.

“The CNG is hopeful that the Federal Government, in tandem with the State Governments, will take action on its findings and recommendations and ensure Zamfara and other states in the North-West are secured.

“The CNG will continue to monitor the situation and work with other stakeholders to ensure that the Federal Government and State Governments take action on its recommendations and secure Zamfara and the North-West,” he said.

This move by the CNG is expected to be a major step towards finding a lasting solution to the security crisis in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West region of Nigeria.”