The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity and recurring flood disasters ravaging several communities in the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

The alarm followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday by Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC–Plateau), who lamented the persistent wave of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and environmental destruction, particularly in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area.

Gagdi, who chairs the House Committee on Navy, described the situation as “dire and deeply distressing,” noting that despite repeated appeals and interventions, the crisis has continued to worsen.

“Since 2022, my constituency has been under siege. Armed bandits, sometimes aided by local collaborators, have turned our once peaceful communities into killing fields. People can no longer go to their farms. Markets are being burnt, homes destroyed, and lives lost with impunity,” he said.

The lawmaker cited the abduction of two traditional rulers — Mallam Hudu Alhassan Musa of Shuwaka and Mallam Zubairu Garba Usman of Birbyeng — noting that one was killed in captivity while the other remains missing.

He added that hundreds of cattle have been stolen, markets razed, and residents displaced, warning that the insecurity could worsen hunger and poverty in the region.

Gagdi also drew attention to the impact of flooding and rainstorms, which have destroyed farmlands, homes, and infrastructure, further compounding the suffering of residents. He expressed frustration that this was the third time he was raising the issue on the House floor, yet the security and humanitarian responses remained inadequate.

Following deliberations, the House adopted several resolutions, including:

1. Urging the Chief of Defence Staff to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Garga, Kanam LGA.
2. Calling on the Inspector-General of Police to create a Divisional Police Headquarters in Gum, Kanam.
3. Directing the Commandant General of the NSCDC to open a divisional office in Gwamlar.
4. Urging the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify operations in Kanam and conduct intelligence-led raids on identified flashpoints.
5. Calling on NEMA and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide relief and rehabilitation aid to victims of banditry and flooding.

The House also mandated its Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, National Security, Interior, and Legislative Compliance to investigate the matter and submit a report within two months.