The recent and rather startling disclosure by a governor from one of the core northern states that he was rough-handled by bandits and kidnappers has further highlighted the procedural limitations of state governors in tackling the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the region—and indeed the country at large.
The rise and spread of banditry and kidnapping have caused serious and unimaginable damage to the geographical, social, economic, and political structures of the core northern states, which continue to grapple with the insecurity the menace has created. Insecurity is a terrible drawback in the scheme of national development.
From the moment he assumed office, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has left no one in doubt about his unwavering resolve to do his utmost in confronting the persistent menace of banditry. It is clear, however, that state governors’ hands are somewhat tied when it comes to tackling insecurity, for obvious constitutional and operational reasons.
The provision of adequate logistics, regular payment of allowances to military and other security personnel stationed at various banditry flashpoints, the creation of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps (SSCGC), and several other interventions have clearly demonstrated his strong commitment to confronting the challenge.
It would be recalled that within his first 100 days in office, dozens of operational vehicles were provided to security formations across the state as a boost to their capacity in combating bandits and other miscreants. These interventions have not been one-off—they continue as the need arises. The construction of 100 housing units in Illela for those displaced by banditry is another noble stride.
No person in his right frame of mind would wish to see innocent people displaced and traumatized by bandits, much less a governor elected by his people. Unfortunately, some individuals resort to gutter politicking when discussing such a sensitive issue as insecurity.
A few days ago, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in the company of the Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, toured various parts of the state to directly interact with and empathize with victims of banditry. There was something particularly unique about those sympathy visits—a testament to the governor’s genuine compassion and concern for the well-being of his people. At Wurno, just as in other locations visited, Ahmed Aliyu offered a moving prayer, asking Almighty God to rescue the people by subduing and eradicating bandits and banditry.
Families of victims in each local government area visited received foodstuffs and financial support—not as compensation, but as a clear demonstration of the governor’s empathy. Wherever the governor visited, the beneficiaries and other residents were visibly pleased, as the interventions exceeded their expectations. The visits were filled with goodwill, encouragement, solidarity, and hope.
In many cases, governors delegate such visits to their representatives, but to further underscore his deep concern for his people, Governor Aliyu chose to undertake the visits himself. Interestingly, the visits caught many—including opposition figures—by surprise and earned him broad commendation.
During one of the visits, the governor spoke categorically about the activities of informants, warning that they would no longer have a place in our communities.
The truth remains that Ahmed Aliyu has done—and continues to do—his part in the ongoing effort to curb and ultimately end the scourge of banditry in Sokoto State.
—Aminu Binji writes from the Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation (SOLID).
