Many survivors of the attack have fled the community as the
bandits destroyed properties, burnt down houses and rustled their cattle.
“It is saddening that Nigeria has become a killing field.
Thursday’s killing of scores of persons, including the village head and
abduction of an unspecified number of people by suspected bandits in Madaka, in
Rafi local government area of Niger state, is yet another confirmation that contrary
to assurances, insecurity continues to be rife in our country,” Atiku said.
“We have to prioritise security and speed up the process of
a constitutional amendment that will introduce state police so that states and
local authorities can deploy mechanisms that best suit their environment in
tackling this hydra-headed insecurity in our land.”
On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to
explore the creation of state police.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information, said the president
and governors have agreed on modalities for the concept.
The minister said a series of meetings would take place to
determine the workability of a decentralised police force.
However, on February 22, the National Economic Council (NEC)
said it had received reports on the proposal from only 16 states.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima said 20 states were yet to
send in reports, adding that the response to the proposed initiative was not
impressive.
