*Lawmaker alerts of onslaughts from Mali, Niger, Libya

“The two forests house two terrorist groups, the Lakurawa, who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local bandits, terrorising the area”.

These were the words with which Sani Yakubu, a member of the House of Representatives, alerted Nigerians on claimed more dangerous trend terrorism in Nigeria, had assumed.

Yakubu, who is representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, while raising the alarm, on the floor of the Green Chambers on Wednesday, stated that the jihadists had teamed up with local bandits operating in Tangaza Local Government of the state to levy taxes on farmers in the area.

In a motion at the plenary on Wednesday, he said that Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency was surrounded by two forests – Tsauna Forest, which stretches over to Gwadabawa, Illela and Niger Republic as well as Kuyan Bana Forest, which also stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.

The lawmaker, who insisted that the terrorist groups, which he claimed used to be sworn enemies, within the areas, had joined forces, adding that they had vowed to make life difficult for his constituents who are predominantly farmers.

He said: “The two used to be sworn enemies, but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area. After the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones a befitting burial. The people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers and terrorists have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities, if the communities refuse to pay tax. If this threat is allowed, it will seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.”

Adopting the motion, the House urged the military to deploy more personnel and hardwares to comb the forests to flush out the criminals. It further asked the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials to victims of the unfortunate attack.

Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, representing Ideato South and North Federal Constituency of Imo State, while bemoaning the development, said it was worrisome to have terrorists from the neighbouring African countries imposing taxes on Nigerian farmers, adding that it was tantamount to a threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria.

However, expressing optimism that the current administration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would flush the criminals out, he said: “It’s worrisome and it threatens our sovereignty as a nation. Just as the House resolved, it requires urgent attention. Our security agencies need to re-strategise to flush out criminals and terrorists. With the resolve and commitment of the present administration, I have no doubt that soon, they will be defeated.”