The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately establish a military barracks in Katsina State following fresh terrorists attacks that claimed at least 35 lives within 24 hours across three local government areas.
This is as the lawmakers expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the Funtua Zone.
The issue was brought before the chamber through a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Dandutse Mohammed representing Katsina South.
The motion, which received overwhelming support, was admitted for debate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senators used the opportunity to urge President Tinubu to fulfil his earlier pledge to establish a military barracks in the Funtua Zone and warned against negotiating with armed groups responsible for the violence.
Moving the motion, Senator Dandutse said Katsina had been plunged into mourning by renewed attacks, including an ambush on Mobile Police Force personnel in Guga, Bako Local Government Area, where three officers were killed and two critically injured.
He disclosed that 24 people were killed in Faskari Local Government Area, eight in Bakori, two in Funtua, and one in Kankara, all within less than a day.
Dandutse warned that the persistent violence had left over 50,000 farmlands inaccessible, posing a major threat to food security and livelihoods in the predominantly agrarian zone.
He said, “The continuous bandit attacks on communities will significantly affect food production and agricultural activities, as more than 50,000 farmlands are presently inaccessible, thereby jeopardising food security and the livelihoods of the people.”
Dandutse recalled that the Katsina State governor had previously led elders from the Funtua Zone to meet President Tinubu, during which the President pledged to site a military barracks in the area.
“I urge President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to ensure rapid and sustained intervention until all criminal elements are eliminated. I also urge him to fulfil his pledge to establish a new military barracks in the Funtua Zone,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who seconded the motion, confirmed that the Federal Government had directed the military to intensify operations in Katsina but stressed that more troops, technology, and decisive action were needed.
He said, “The military is doing well, and I commend them, but the determination of these bandits shows that we need to do more.”
Other lawmakers, including Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Ahmed Wadada, highlighted the impact of insecurity on national food supply and warned strongly against negotiating with bandits, describing such efforts as dangerous and ineffective.
The Senate resolved to press for the establishment of a military barracks in Funtua, improved police logistics, and immediate humanitarian support for affected communities, while observing a minute’s silence for the victims.
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