he governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has expressed concern over the rising deaths and insecurity recorded across the state in recent days.

Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, said reports from different parts of the state suggested that more than 100 people might have lost their lives in separate incidents within the past 10 days.

He cited recent attacks in Ungushi, Kebbe Local Government Area, where residents were reportedly killed by bandits, as well as deaths recorded in Wurno and Silame Local Government Areas.

He also referred to the Gorau boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area, where the reported death toll had risen to 53 as recovery efforts continued.

The ADC candidate said the scale and frequency of the incidents should compel the Federal and Sokoto State governments to take urgent action.

He accused the authorities of failing to demonstrate the level of urgency required to address the worsening security situation, saying many residents were now living in fear.

Dan’iya stressed that protecting lives and property remained the most important responsibility of government.

He also questioned the recent rush by the state government to commission and commence projects as the 2027 elections approach, calling for transparency and accountability in their implementation and expenditure.

The former deputy governor warned that persistent killings and displacement could affect the 2027 electoral process, noting that continued violence could leave fewer residents in affected communities to participate in the elections.

He called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments to strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

Dan’iya also demanded urgent safety measures on the state’s waterways and improved emergency response mechanisms to prevent further loss of lives.

While commiserating with families of victims of the attacks and Gorau boat tragedy, he commended security personnel, local divers, community volunteers and other first responders involved in rescue and recovery operations.

The ADC candidate urged residents to remain peaceful and vigilant while demanding greater accountability from government officials.