The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice has urged President Bola Tinubu to impose a state of emergency in Zamfara State, citing the deteriorating security situation and the alleged failure of governance in the region.
In a statement released on Friday from Kaduna, the group’s president, Kabiru Bako, expressed deep concern over what he described as a complete breakdown of leadership in the state.
He claimed that certain political figures in Zamfara are benefitting from the ongoing instability, particularly through involvement in illegal mining.
“There is no semblance of governance in Zamfara. What exists is a deliberate neglect of responsibility by those in power,” Bako said.
He highlighted the absence of an active and legally constituted House of Assembly, along with repeated accusations that government officials are turning a blind eye to violent crimes and unlawful mining.
According to him, the situation has gone beyond political failure and now reflects a betrayal of the people.
Bako described the crisis as a “silent conflict” that continues to escalate, warning that if left unchecked, it could spread further.
He noted that in several towns—such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka, and Bukkuyum—residents live in fear and are forced to pay bandits to access their farmlands or travel safely. Women are being kidnapped, children forced into armed groups, and entire communities extorted by criminal gangs, he said.
“The state government seems more interested in political games than in protecting the lives of its people. What we’re witnessing is government in name only,” Bako added.
The group also criticized the lack of democratic checks, noting that 10 members of the state legislature were suspended after voicing concern about the growing insecurity. This, Bako said, shows how democracy is being undermined in Zamfara.
He further accused government officials of protecting illegal mining operations, stating that profits from these activities are believed to be funding the purchase of weapons by violent groups.
“Those who are supposed to defend the people are instead making gains from their suffering,” he said.
The group called on President Tinubu to act swiftly by invoking emergency powers and appointing a neutral administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs and begin a process of recovery.
“If urgent steps are not taken, Zamfara risks becoming a permanent base for criminal networks,” Bako warned. “Innocent people are dying daily, and there’s no meaningful governance left.”
The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice said it will be presenting a comprehensive petition to the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser to support its call for federal intervention.
