A resident of Gusau, Zamfara State, Alhaji Idris Gusau, has called on the Federal and Zamfara State Governments to urgently strengthen security along the Funtua Gusau highway following growing concerns over attacks and threats to travellers.
Gusau said the worsening security situation along the major highway had left motorists, passengers and families increasingly worried, stressing that residents should be able to travel between communities without fear.
According to a report by The Guardian, he expressed concern over the reported shooting of Alhaji Nasiru Marafa, a staff member of the National Open University of Nigeria, by suspected bandits while travelling between Kucheri and Tsafe.
He said the reported incident highlighted the need for immediate and decisive security measures, particularly in areas that have repeatedly recorded security challenges.
Gusau noted that the number of security checkpoints along the route, from Yankara through Kucheri, Magazu and Tsafe to Gusau, appeared insufficient given the level of insecurity in the area.
He urged the authorities to establish additional checkpoints at identified flashpoints and deploy regular security patrols along the highway, especially during peak travel periods.
He also called for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response operations around Magazu, Kucheri and Tsafe to enable security agencies respond quickly to emergencies.
According to him, development projects and economic initiatives would have limited impact if residents could not safely move between communities.
Gusau therefore appealed to the Federal Government, Zamfara State Government and security agencies to intensify patrols, improve community based intelligence and ensure adequate deployment of personnel along the entire route.
He stressed that residents were only demanding the basic right to travel, work and conduct their daily activities without living under constant fear of attack.
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