The House of Representatives has voiced serious concern over the growing insecurity and recurrent flood disasters devastating communities in the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

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

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 continues 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 lamented.

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 also reported that hundreds of cattle have been stolen, local markets razed, and many residents displaced, warning that continued insecurity could worsen hunger and poverty across the region.

Gagdi added that flooding and rainstorms have further devastated farmlands, homes, and infrastructure, deepening the suffering of residents.

Expressing frustration, he said this was the third time he had raised the issue on the House floor, yet security and humanitarian responses remained inadequate.

Following deliberation, the House resolved to:Urge the Chief of Defence Staff to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Garga, Kanam LGA., Call on the Inspector-General of Police to create a Divisional Police Headquarters in Gum, Kanam., Direct the NSCDC Commandant General to open a divisional office in Gwamlar., Urge the DSS to intensify operations in Kanam and conduct intelligence-led raids on flashpoints., Call 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 report back within two months.

Reps raise alarm over rising insecurity, flood disasters in Plateau communities