By Adamu Ibrahim
Banditry in Northwest, especially in the eastern part of Sokoto state, has once again raised it’s ugly head. Since the inauguration of the current set of governors in the Northwest and their their vows not to negotiate with the bandits leaves much to be desired, especially that the bandits have increased the tempo of attacks on communities all over the subregion.
They had promised to fight terrorism until there is no more threat to peace,
Katsina state has already set up and equipped its Community Guard Corp or what is popularly referred to as Civilian Joint Task Force. Zamfara state has recruited and are training its while Sokoto has up a committee, to advise the government on the modalities of establishing its own.
The bandits are now more daring when one considers the recent attacks on Maru and Zurmi Local Governments in Zamfara State. The attack on Zurmi happened in the day time. So also was that on Shinaka town of Goronyo Local Government on Friday last week, when people were about to say their Jumu’at prayer.
Earlier, they had attacked Giyawa, Kojiyo, Ɓijeji, Ƙirare, Ɓare and other towns in Goronyo Local Government where they killed and abducted many and collected ransom before they released the victims. Yesterday it was the turn of my village, Takakume
I was woken up by a phone call from a member of vigilante group of the village at around 12:30am with the sad news that bandits had invaded our village. As at this morning it has been confirmed that they have killed 3 persons, wounded 2 and abducted 15 persons.
From my own house, they kidnapped three women and one of those killed is my elder brother. My nephew, Salisu Ilyasu and my cousin, Sa’adu Monitor are the only men among the abducted persons.This is the time that Federal Government tolshould increase security presence in the general area of Sokoto East in order to bring about peace in the area.
The Sokoto State Government should please hasten the recruitment of Civilian JTF to support the Federal Security Agencies working to convert the spate of killings, maiming, raping and destruction of lives and property in Sokoto East particularly and the Sokoto State in general.
Sokoto East is now the safe haven for bandits fleeing the onslaught on their hideouts in Katsina State. If nothing is done, they will sack all towns and villages in Sokoto East.
Adamu, a retired Permanent Secretary with Sokoto State Ministry of Information, send in this piece from Sokoto
