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From Ola Muhammad, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks on Kaoje and neighbouring communities in Bagudo Local Government Area, which claimed several lives, destroyed property and displaced residents.
The Governor assured the affected communities that the state government would take further measures to strengthen security in Kaoje and other affected areas, with a view to preventing further attacks, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace.
Governor Idris gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the affected communities, where he expressed his deep pain over the loss of innocent lives and assured residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to safeguard them.
He stressed that the killing of innocent citizens would not be tolerated by either the state or federal government, and urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and supportive of security agencies as the authorities intensify efforts to address the situation.
The Governor disclosed that he had constituted a committee comprising security officials and relevant stakeholders to assess the security situation and recommend additional measures. He said the committee had engaged with various groups and reported that relative peace had returned to the affected communities.
He, however, warned that anyone found responsible for further attacks would face the full weight of the law.
Governor Idris announced an additional N100 million in support for victims of the attacks, bringing the total financial assistance provided by the state government to N200 million.
He also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the deployment of three security units, including one to cover Bagudo Local Government Area and another to strengthen security towards Yauri and surrounding communities.
The Governor further revealed that the state government had ordered the procurement of additional operational vehicles for security agencies and would collaborate with federal lawmakers to secure further security assistance for the affected areas.
“There can be no development without security. We will not rest until our people can sleep peacefully in their homes,” Governor Idris assured.
Former Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commiserated with Governor Idris and the people of Kaoje over the loss of lives, describing insecurity as a serious challenge that requires collective responsibility.
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Bagudu said both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Idris were making efforts to address the security situation, urging residents to remain patient and support ongoing interventions. He assured the victims that the Governor would continue to take decisive measures to alleviate their suffering and strengthen security.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Haliru Aliyu Wasagu, expressed sympathy with the affected communities and commended Governor Idris for his sustained interventions in the security sector.
He disclosed that the state government had procured more than 30 armoured vehicles, alongside other security equipment, while additional measures were being implemented to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies.
Wasagu urged residents not to allow political considerations to undermine collective efforts against insecurity, stressing that security matters should not be exploited for political advantage.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, said he had remained in contact with relevant stakeholders since the incident and had also engaged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who, he said, assured him of decisive action in collaboration with the nation’s security chiefs.
He commended Governor Idris for his prompt response and called on residents to remain united and cooperate fully with security agencies in the effort to restore lasting peace.
The member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Bello Abubakar Kaoje, commended Governor Idris for his concern and prompt response, noting that the Governor had remained in contact with community leaders and other stakeholders despite being outside the country when the incident occurred.
He appealed for patience, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the communities, particularly given the longstanding cultural, family and inter-ethnic relationships across the affected border areas.
Earlier, the village head of Buya, Umar Abdullahi, and councillor representing Lafagu/Gante ward, Abdullahi, recounted the attacks, killings, destruction of houses and displacement of residents, and appealed for sustained security measures and further government assistance.
The Sarkin Bargun Kaoje, Alhaji Mustapha Usman Adamu, expressed appreciation to Governor Idris for the condolence visit, relief assistance and continued concern for the affected communities.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Senator Bagudu and other leaders and organisations, assuring the Governor of the community’s continued support for peace, unity and lawful conduct.
