The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, citing persistent security challenges and a breakdown in governance.
In a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna, the group’s president, Kabiru Bako, alleged that the current administration in Zamfara is complicit in illegal mining activities, which has worsened the crisis.
He argued that meaningful progress cannot be made until power is taken away from those he described as profiting from the unrest.
“What’s happening in Zamfara cannot be called governance,” Bako said. “It’s a deliberate neglect of responsibility by those who were elected to serve the people.”
He lamented the absence of a functional state House of Assembly and a lack of political will to confront the violence, while pointing to allegations of state officials being linked to unlawful mining operations.
According to him, the situation has escalated beyond politics and now amounts to betrayal of public trust.
Describing the insecurity as a “slow-burning conflict” that is being dangerously overlooked, Bako stated that many residents are now forced to pay bandits for permission to farm or travel.
He named towns such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka, and Bukkuyum as places where basic safety no longer exists. He noted that people can no longer attend school, visit markets, or sleep peacefully at night, with women being kidnapped, children recruited by criminal groups, and entire communities taxed by non-state actors.
He criticized the government for its inaction, saying officials are merely trading blame while innocent citizens suffer.
Bako also pointed out that the absence of a legitimate legislative body further weakens democratic structures in the state.
He referenced the suspension of 10 lawmakers who had spoken out against the security situation, calling it evidence that Zamfara is now operating without democratic checks and balances.
He went on to accuse the state government of shielding those involved in illegal mining, claiming that proceeds from these operations are being used to purchase weapons for armed groups.
“Those who should be defending the state are instead gaining from its collapse,” he said.
The group urged President Tinubu to take immediate constitutional action by declaring a state of emergency and appointing a neutral administrator to restore order and rebuild state institutions.
“If this step isn’t taken now, Zamfara could become a permanent safe haven for terrorists,” Bako warned. “Lives are being lost every day, and governance has already disappeared from the scene.”
The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice said it plans to submit a comprehensive report to both the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser to back its call for federal intervention.
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