The NDC said the reported use of IEDs on public roads had introduced a new dimension to the insecurity, putting motorists, commuters, farmers, traders and security personnel at risk.

The party questioned the deployment of about 30 Commissioners of Police and thousands of security personnel for the recent Osun State governorship election, asking why similar resources could not be mobilised to protect residents of Zamfara.

“Elections are important to democracy, but the protection of human life is the first responsibility of government.

The people of Zamfara should not be made to feel that securing ballot boxes attracts greater national urgency than securing their lives, homes, farms and highways,” the party said.

The NDC called for an immediate review of the security strategy in Bukkuyum and other vulnerable areas, including enhanced intelligence gathering, improved explosive-ordnance capabilities, sustained patrols and stronger security presence along vulnerable roads and communities.

It also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to reinforce operations across Bukkuyum, secure the Gurusu-Gwashi corridor and other major roads, and prevent criminal groups from normalising the use of explosive devices against civilians.

The party called on the Zamfara State Government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and improve community-based intelligence gathering to ensure affected communities receive adequate protection.

“Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced. Our roads must not now become minefields,” the NDC said.

The party said residents of Zamfara deserved the same level of urgency, manpower and national attention deployed to protect elections across the country.

The former lawmaker pointed out that there are lessons Nigerians ought to learn from the outcome of the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, electorates in Osun collected money from the ruling party but still voted for their various choices.

“Nigerians must learn from Osun election where APC spent a whopping 70 billion naira only to procure 444,816 votes plus rigging.

“The implication is that more people collected APC money and voted for their conscience.

“2027, collect APC money and vote your conscience. APC till we meet again,” he wrote.

He made the assertion, while addressing journalists after voting at Polling Unit 008, Bakin Dutse, which is located at Yelwan Duguri Model Primary School in Duguri District, Alkaleri Local Government Area, in the ongoing local government election in the state.

He said: “I am really impressed by how smoothly the voting process went and how many people came out to vote.

“It’s really heartening to see so many women participating in large numbers to exercise their constitutional rights.

“Elections are not a do-or-die affair. Our topmost concern should always be ensuring lasting peace, safety, and overall progress in Bauchi State.”

The governor said his team is still focused on making sure democracy works well at the local government level and ensuring that everyone follows the law.

He thanked the election workers for being well-prepared and appreciated the voters for showing the maturity, discipline, and sense of duty he talked about.