The Peoples Redemption Party has warned that the worsening cases of banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the North-Central and North-West regions could escalate into a wider national security crisis if urgent measures are not taken.

The party said the continued captivity of residents abducted by bandits in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, underscored the growing security challenges confronting communities across the two regions.

The PRP raised the alarm in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq.

The party accused the government of failing to adequately protect citizens from attacks and abductions, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government.

It described the continued attacks and abductions as worrying and unacceptable and called for urgent action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

“We believe the security situation in the North-Central and North-West requires urgent attention, as allowing the attacks to continue could have serious consequences for the country,” the party said.

The PRP warned that continued insecurity could have implications beyond the affected communities and regions if not decisively addressed.

“If left unaddressed, these issues may escalate into catastrophic and disastrous breaches of national security,” it warned.

The party called on the government to intensify security operations aimed at restoring peace to communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.

It also urged authorities to hold security personnel accountable where failures in the protection of citizens were established, while reviewing existing security policies to improve the welfare and safety of Nigerians.

The PRP further condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

The party called for an independent investigation into the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions were responsible.

“We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable,” Ishaq said.

The party said the proposed investigation should establish what led to the deaths, identify any failures or wrongdoing and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable.

The PRP also urged the government to strengthen measures for protecting vulnerable communities and preventing further abductions, warning that prolonged insecurity could deepen public anxiety and undermine confidence in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.