The Northern Senators Forum has called on the federal government and Defence Headquarters to strengthen security along the Kopre-Sambisa corridor in Adamawa State. This appeal follows recent attacks on the 226 and 232 Battalions by insurgents, resulting in the loss of lives, including three soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians. The senators described these attacks as an assault on Adamawa State, the North, and Nigeria as a whole.
The attacks occurred in multiple locations across Hong and Gombi local government areas, including Garaha, Dabna, Bangna, Mubang, Zah, Bitirhuya, Kwapre, Mayo Ladde, Gaya-Dlang, Garkida, Boima, and Guyaku. The senators expressed concern over reports of killings, abductions, destruction of property and places of worship, and the displacement of hundreds of residents from their ancestral communities. These incidents took place on the eve of Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary.
The senators, in a statement signed by their chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central, specifically identified the military formations at Garkida and Garaha as targets of the attacks. They emphasized that these attacks are not only an assault on Adamawa State but also on the North and the Nigerian nation as a whole. The Northern Senators Forum expressed deep pain over the reports of killings, abductions of women and children, and the destruction of properties.
The Northern senators urged the Federal Government, through the Defence Headquarters, to adopt a more proactive security strategy to prevent further attacks and dismantle insurgent strongholds in the area. They called for the urgent reinforcement of security presence in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor and a unified strategy to flush out criminal enclaves. The lawmakers also appealed to residents of the affected communities to support security agencies by providing timely, actionable intelligence.
The senators emphasized that residents' cooperation is critical to identifying the movements and activities of insurgents and other criminal elements operating in the affected areas. They further called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the North East Development Commission to urgently provide relief materials and other assistance to victims and communities affected by the attacks.
While commiserating with the families of those killed, the lawmakers assured residents of Adamawa State that they would not be abandoned in the face of security challenges. The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Adamawa State and pledged collective efforts to address the situation. The senators condemned the attacks in the strongest terms and urged relevant security agencies to intensify operations to restore peace.
The Northern Senators Forum's appeal comes as the region continues to grapple with security challenges. The senators' statement reflects the growing concern over the resurgence of insurgent activities in Adamawa State and the need for a coordinated response to address the situation. The government and security agencies face mounting pressure to take decisive action to protect communities and restore stability to the affected areas.
Key points
- The Northern Senators Forum has called for reinforced security presence along the Kopre-Sambisa corridor in Adamawa State following recent attacks by insurgents.
- The attacks resulted in the loss of lives, including three soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians, and led to the displacement of hundreds of residents.
- The senators urged the government to adopt a proactive security strategy to prevent further attacks and dismantle insurgent strongholds in the area.
