Banditry: Sokoto Urges Politicians To Stop Politicising Insecurity

The Sokoto State Government has urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to stop politicising insecurity, stressing that the fight against banditry requires collective action and cooperation.

The government made the appeal on Thursday while responding to concerns raised by African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya over reported threats against residents of Kebbe Local Government Area.

Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), said the reported threat to Kebbe was being treated seriously by the government and security agencies.

Usman said relevant security agencies were working with the state government, traditional institutions and local communities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent any attack.

He urged residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm but vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities.

The statement came amid renewed security concerns in parts of Sokoto, particularly Kebbe, where communities have faced attacks, displacement and threats to their livelihoods from suspected criminal elements.

Usman said the security challenge was not created by the present administration, noting that insecurity had become entrenched in parts of the state before Governor Aliyu assumed office.

He also recalled that Dan’iya served as deputy governor during the previous administration, arguing that his experience should enable him to assess the current government’s security efforts and approach.

According to Usman, the Aliyu administration had increased financial and logistical support for security agencies deployed across the state.

He said the government restored monthly allowances for security personnel that had previously been discontinued and subsequently reviewed and increased the payments.

The security adviser also said the state had provided Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, patrol vehicles and other equipment to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies.

He acknowledged, however, that government intervention alone could not completely resolve the security situation, stressing the importance of cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and residents.

Usman warned that insecurity should not become a political contest, saying political differences were normal in a democracy but citizens’ safety should remain above partisan interests.

He urged all stakeholders to support peace efforts across Sokoto.