The Northern Senators Forum has called for an immediate military offensive to dislodge insurgents from the Kopre-Sambisa corridor in Adamawa State. This demand follows recent attacks on two military battalions that resulted in fatalities among soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians. The attacks occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, targeting the 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.
The forum Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, made the demand in a personally signed statement on Sunday. He stated that the attacks affected several communities across the Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, constituting an assault not only on Adamawa and the North but on Nigeria as a whole. Yar’Adua commiserated with the families of those killed and affected by the attacks.
The affected communities include Garaha, Dabna, Bangna, Mubang, Zah, Bitirhuya, Kwapre, Mayo Ladde, Gaya-Dlang, Garkida, Boima, and Guyaku. The senators also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the North East Development Commission to provide relief materials to residents displaced by the attacks.
Yar’Adua expressed deep pain over the reports of killings, abductions of women and children, burning of places of worship, destruction of properties, and the displacement of hundreds of families. These incidents occurred on the eve of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. The attacks are considered an assault on the nation, and the senators have urged for a unified strategy to flush out the criminal enclaves.
The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Adamawa State, condemning the cowardly acts in the strongest terms. The forum has called on the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to urgently reinforce security presence in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor. This reinforcement aims to prevent further attacks and displacement of residents.
The demand for military action and relief assistance comes as the North-East region faces ongoing security challenges. The senators’ call for a proactive strategy to address the insurgency reflects growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Adamawa State. Efforts to address the crisis are expected to involve coordination between federal and state authorities.
The situation in Adamawa State remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to restore security and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities. The Northern Senators Forum’s demands highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the insurgency and its impact on local populations. Authorities are expected to respond to the senators’ call and take measures to mitigate the crisis.
Key points
- The Northern Senators Forum demands an immediate military offensive against insurgents in Adamawa State.
- The attacks on two military battalions resulted in fatalities among soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians.
- The senators have called for relief assistance to residents displaced by the attacks.
