Kebbi Attacks: Gov Idris Seeks Military Base in Bagudo

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said his administration will pursue the establishment of a military base in Bagudo Local Government Area following recent attacks on communities in the area.

The governor made the disclosure on Saturday during a condolence visit to the District Head of Kaoje, Alhaji Mustapha Usman, over the death of the Village Head of Lafagu and other victims of the attacks.

Idris described the attacks as barbaric and disturbing, assuring residents that the state government would work closely with security agencies to tackle the perpetrators and restore peace to affected communities.

He said his administration would take necessary measures to protect lives and property and facilitate the safe return of residents who had been displaced by the insecurity.

The governor also visited some internally displaced persons’ camps in the area, where he sympathised with victims and assured them of government support.

Idris said the government was working towards finding a lasting solution to the security challenges affecting the communities and restoring residents’ confidence.

He urged residents to remain calm and patient, while cautioning them against taking the law into their own hands.

The governor also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

The latest attacks have affected communities around Kaoje, including Lafagu and Buya, with residents reportedly forced to abandon their homes and means of livelihood because of insecurity.

The Village Head of Lafagu was among those killed in the recent violence. The incident had earlier prompted the governor to condemn the attack and promise that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The security situation in Bagudo has also attracted increased military attention. The Nigerian Army recently operationalised the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, while the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison was established in Birnin Kebbi and the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri.

The military said the new formations were intended to strengthen its operational capacity and improve response to security threats across Kebbi State.

Idris said the state government would continue supporting security agencies with the necessary logistics to enable them to protect vulnerable communities.

He expressed hope that the measures would allow displaced residents to return safely to their ancestral homes and resume their normal activities.

The District Head of Kaoje thanked the governor for visiting the affected communities and commiserating with residents over the deaths.

The governor’s call for a military base in Bagudo comes amid continued efforts to strengthen security operations in parts of Kebbi affected by armed attacks.