Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed concern over the resurgence of banditry and terrorist attacks in parts of Sokoto State, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities.
In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, Tambuwal lamented that the renewed wave of violence has claimed several lives, led to abductions and forced many residents to flee their communities.
According to the former governor, the persistent attacks have worsened the humanitarian and security situation in rural areas, leaving residents living in constant fear of kidnappings, killings and cattle rustling.
Tambuwal extended his condolences to the people of Kebbe Local Government Area and the family of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits.
Describing the officer’s death as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” the senator said the sacrifice of security personnel in the line of duty should not be taken for granted.
“The death of ASP Hussaini Balarabe in the line of duty is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our security personnel make every day to protect our people,” he said.
He also sympathised with residents of Shagari Local Government Area, where fresh attacks by suspected terrorists reportedly resulted in kidnappings and the rustling of livestock.
“Our people in Shagari and other affected communities should not be left to face these criminal elements alone. They deserve adequate protection, and we must do everything possible to restore their confidence and enable them to return to their communities, farms and livelihoods without fear,” Tambuwal stated.
The senator further commiserated with residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, noting that communities in the area have continued to experience deadly attacks, killings and abductions by armed groups.
He warned that the recurring insecurity poses a serious threat to agriculture, commerce and the overall socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.
While commending the efforts and resilience of security personnel, Tambuwal called on the Federal Government, state authorities and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response operations in vulnerable areas.
“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 also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence, while calling on traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen collaboration in addressing insecurity.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens must work together,” he added.
