By Olakunle Maruf
Copyright tribuneonlineng
The member representing Yabo-Shagari federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Umar Yusuf Yabo, has called on both the Sokoto State government and the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening security situation threatening lives and livelihoods in his constituency.
His appeal came in the wake of a series of deadly attacks by armed bandits on several communities in Shagari Local Government Area of the state, which had forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in Shagari town. The growing displacement, he warned, is now a pressing humanitarian crisis.
Hon. Yabo cautioned that if left unchecked, the insecurity could inflame ethnic tensions in an already fragile environment.
“There is a growing sense of frustration and fear among residents. Some victims are beginning to consider taking retaliatory action against the Fulani communities living among them, which could escalate into an ethnic conflict of dangerous proportions,” he said.
Expressing sympathy to the victims and their families, the lawmaker stressed the need for immediate measures to restore peace and stability.
“I am committed to doing everything within my mandate to ensure the return of peace and normalcy to our communities. This includes initiating dialogue, lobbying for increased federal intervention and ensuring that security agencies are better supported to do their job,” the lawmaker added.
He called for a robust deployment of security personnel to the affected areas, urging the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and tactical operations to flush out criminal elements from forests and rural settlements across the state.
In addition, Hon. Yabo appealed for humanitarian assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relief organizations to support displaced residents currently sheltering in makeshift camps in Shagari town.
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