Nigeria Democratic Congress Calls for Urgent Security Action Over IED Threats in Zamfara. 

Nigeria Democratic Congress Calls for Urgent Security Action Over IED Threats in Zamfara.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State has raised serious concerns over a recent report of suspected IED (Improvised Explosive Device) planting along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area. The party described this development as a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region, warning that the presence of explosive devices on public roads poses a grave threat to residents, commuters, farmers, traders, and security personnel alike.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alkasimu Mustapha Kayatawa, the NDC called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the affected corridor and other vulnerable communities across Zamfara. The party emphasized that the incident increases risks for road users, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures to prevent further attacks.

Kayatawa pointed out that the use of IEDs on public roads signifies a dangerous shift in the tactics employed by criminal elements, particularly bandits, and warned that if left unaddressed, it could set a frightening precedent in the state. The NDC urged security agencies to intensify patrols, ramp up intelligence gathering, and improve explosive-ordnance disposal capabilities to counter this new threat effectively.

The party also called for a comprehensive review of security operations in Bukkuyum and other high-risk areas. They argued that intelligence-led operations are crucial to identifying and dismantling criminal networks responsible for planting IEDs and other destructive activities. Kayatawa emphasized that sustained security presence along major highways, rural roads, and communities is essential to safeguarding lives and property.

Comparing the current security posture in Zamfara with the heightened security during the recent Osun governorship election, the NDC questioned the level of deployment in Zamfara. They expressed disappointment, stating that the same urgency should be applied to areas plagued by banditry and violent crime, where residents live in constant fear.

Furthermore, the NDC urged the Zamfara State Government to deepen cooperation with federal security agencies and strengthen community-based intelligence networks. They stressed that local residents, traditional rulers, and community leaders could play a pivotal role in providing timely information that could prevent attacks and disrupt criminal activities.

The party highlighted the broader consequences of persistent insecurity, including loss of life, ransom payments, and displacement of communities. “Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced,” the NDC stated. They warned that the roads should not become “minefields,” underscoring the need for urgent and sustained action.

In conclusion, the NDC called on the federal government, security agencies, and Zamfara authorities to treat the reported IED planting as an urgent warning. They urged continuous, intelligence-led security operations and increased collaboration with local communities to restore peace, ensure safety, and protect the lives of all residents and road users.