From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has reiterated that the fight against banditry cannot be won by security agencies alone, urging residents to actively assist by providing credible and timely intelligence reports.
The appeal was made by the Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, while addressing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by recent bandit attacks on Dalgulbi village and neighboring communities in the Tureta Local Government Area.
The directive was detailed in a statement released on Sunday by Garba Mohammed, the Director of Press Affairs for the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Addressing the displaced victims, Alhaji Gobir emphasized that public cooperation is vital to ending the security challenges plaguing the region.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements within their communities to the appropriate authorities.
“Security agencies alone cannot fight the menace of banditry without the support and cooperation of the people,” Gobir stated.
He reassured residents that the Governor Ahmed Aliyu-led administration remains unyielding in its commitment to eradicating criminal activities.
He underscored that the primary responsibility of any government is safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens, promising that more robust security measures would continue to be deployed across the state.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor commended the security personnel stationed in Tureta for their swift response, noting that troops successfully pursued and neutralized several bandits following the assault.
Alhaji Gobir expressed deep condolences to the affected families, praying for the souls of those who lost their lives.
To cushion the impact of the tragedy, he announced a comprehensive financial and relief package totaling N45 million alongside food supplies.
A breakdown of the donations revealed that for bereaved families- N30 million and 300 bags of rice and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) got N10 million and 1,200 bags of rice.
Also, for Injured victims -N5 million to cover the medical expenses of those currently undergoing treatment.
