A coalition of human rights organizations, the Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice (NCAJ), has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, pointing to a complete breakdown in governance and escalating insecurity. The group has also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of state officials in illegal mining operations that fund criminal activities in the region.
A State Under Siege: Rising Insecurity and Political Inaction
In a statement issued on Friday from Kaduna, Mallam Kabiru Sani Bako, president of the NCAJ, stated that the situation in Zamfara has reached a point where no effective intervention is possible while political leaders remain complicit in the chaos.
“What is happening in Zamfara is not governance; it is a deliberate dereliction of duty by those elected to serve,” Bako declared.
The group criticized the state for its lack of a functional House of Assembly and failure to address the rampant violence plaguing communities. Allegations continue to surface, connecting state officials to the illegal mining sector, which is further fueling the ongoing crisis.
A Dangerous Alliance: Illegal Mining Fuels Terrorism and Governance Failure
Bako described the security situation as “a slow-burning war” being ignored by the federal government. He detailed how residents are now forced to pay levies to armed groups just to engage in basic activities like farming or traveling. In towns like Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka, and Bukkuyum, civilians are no longer safe to attend school or even sleep peacefully, as women are abducted, children are recruited into armed groups, and entire communities are taxed by non-state actors. Meanwhile, local authorities remain embroiled in political disputes.
The NCAJ further criticized the absence of a properly constituted state assembly, following the suspension of ten lawmakers who had spoken out against the security crisis. This, they argue, is a clear indication of the collapse of democratic governance in Zamfara, leaving residents vulnerable and without representation.
The rights group also accused the state government of enabling illegal mining, suggesting that criminal gangs use the proceeds from unregulated mining to purchase weapons. Bako asserted, “The same hands that should be protecting Zamfara are profiting from its destruction.”
The NCAJ is calling for urgent action from President Tinubu, urging him to declare a state of emergency and appoint a non-partisan administrator to restore order and rebuild governance structures in the state.
“If we fail to act now, Zamfara could become a permanent stronghold for terror cells. This is a national security issue, and the country cannot afford to ignore it,” Bako warned.
To back its demands, the Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice plans to submit a detailed report to both the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser in the coming days.
