House summons Gusau, Dasuki, IGP over Zamfara killings

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated some of its committees to invite minister of defence Aliyu Gusau, National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to appear and explain the circumstances behind last week’s killings of scores of people in Zamfara State.

In adopting a motion moved by Rep Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (PDP, Zamfara), the House also urged the defence ministry to “consider locating an army barracks in the affected local governments to forestall the recurrences.”

The House also passed another resolution from Rep Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa) urging relevant authorities to hasten the construction of a military battalion in Doma Local Government of the state in view of last week’s killings of Fulani herdsmen allegedly by soldiers in the state.

Daily Trust reports that between last Thursday and Saturday, over 200 people were killed in some villages of Zurmi and Maru Local Government Areas of Zamfara State allegedly by Fulani herdsmen.

On the Zamfara killings, the House further directed security agencies in the country to “fish out the perpetrators” and “bring them to justice to serve as deterrent to others.”

It further directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials to the distressed citizens and resolved.