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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has warned that the renewed wave of bandit attacks across parts of Sokoto State is taking a devastating toll on rural livelihoods, urging authorities to step up security operations before the crisis worsens.
Tambuwal said the recurring attacks in Kebbe, Shagari and Sabon Birni local government areas have continued to claim lives, displace residents, fuel kidnappings and cattle rustling, while disrupting farming and commercial activities that sustain thousands of families.
According to him, the persistent insecurity has gone beyond a law-and-order problem, posing a serious threat to food production and the socio-economic stability of rural communities.
The senator expressed condolences to the family of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area, describing the fallen officer as one of many security personnel paying the ultimate price in the fight against armed criminal groups.
Tambuwal also sympathised with residents of Shagari and Sabon Birni local government areas, where fresh attacks have reportedly left several people dead or abducted, forced many families to flee their homes and resulted in the loss of livestock.
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He called on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, insisting that sustained and well-coordinated operations were needed to reclaim affected communities from criminal elements.
“We must strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response mechanisms. Security operations must be sustained, coordinated and adequately resourced until these communities are safe and the criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” he said.
Tambuwal further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that defeating banditry requires collective action.
The senator prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed, wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed hope for the safe return of all those still in captivity, while calling for lasting peace to return to the affected communities.
