Stop Northern Killings, Reps Minority Caucus Begs Tinubu

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to end the killings, terrorism, bandit attacks and mass abductions affecting communities across Northern Nigeria

The lawmakers made the demand on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as they raised concerns over the growing number of people being killed, kidnapped and forced to leave their homes because of attacks by terrorists and criminal groups.

The caucus said the situation had become too serious for the Federal Government to respond mainly with statements after attacks. It called for continuous military and security operations based on reliable intelligence to regain areas controlled by terrorists and bandits.

The lawmakers pointed to recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina states as evidence of the worsening security situation.

In Plateau State, the caucus said at least 23 people were killed in attacks in Mangu Local Government Area. It also reported that armed men abducted more than 60 worshippers during Friday prayers in communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The lawmakers said Sokoto State had also suffered a deadly attack, with at least 40 people reportedly killed in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area. Among those killed was the community’s Chief Imam, Imam Aliyu.

In Kaduna State, the caucus reported that at least 30 people died when attackers invaded Naridon village in Kaura Local Government Area.

The lawmakers also raised concerns over repeated attacks and reprisal violence in Katsina State, saying the situation had increased fear among residents. They further drew attention to schoolchildren abducted in Borno State months ago who have yet to return home.

The caucus urged the President to expand the type of security operation used to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

It called for security agencies to maintain a strong presence in affected communities and carry out sustained operations against terrorist and bandit camps, forests, hideouts and other areas used by criminal groups.

According to the lawmakers, the goal should be to restrict the movement and activities of terrorists and bandits without placing unnecessary restrictions on innocent residents.

They urged the military and other security agencies to cut off the supply routes and communication channels used by criminal groups and prevent them from moving freely between communities.

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The caucus also asked President Tinubu to visit Zamfara State and travel to Illela to meet people living in communities affected by insecurity. The lawmakers said a presidential visit could reassure residents that the Federal Government was committed to protecting them and restoring peace.

The lawmakers said more money was also needed for the country’s security efforts. They proposed that the Federal Government consider using $5bn from the nation’s external reserves if funding was needed for an emergency security operation.

They argued that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians should remain one of the government’s most important responsibilities.

The caucus also welcomed the recent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces, saying better pay could improve the welfare and morale of military personnel.

However, the lawmakers asked President Tinubu to send the required amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly so that the new salaries could be properly funded and implemented.

They said lawmakers should be ready to return to the National Assembly if necessary to ensure that the welfare package for military personnel was not delayed by administrative procedures.

The caucus also commented on the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, which it described as a matter that needed urgent attention. The lawmakers called for his release and questioned the fairness and consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts.

They also criticised the role of some people in the APC Presidential Campaign Council, claiming that some prominent members had previously faced corruption allegations or public controversy.

The lawmakers said such developments could affect public trust in the government’s anti-corruption campaign.

Despite the political issues raised in the statement, the caucus said the immediate concern was the safety of Nigerians living in communities affected by terrorism and banditry.

It urged the Federal Government to move beyond reacting to individual attacks and focus on dismantling the criminal networks, supply systems and bases that allow terrorists and bandits to continue operating.

The lawmakers said residents in Northern Nigeria should be able to return to their homes, farms and businesses without fear of being killed or abducted, while those taken hostage should be rescued as quickly as possible.