Governor Seeks Intervention As Bandits Attack Bauchi Communities

No fewer than 10,000 heavily armed bandits have reportedly overrun and displaced several communities in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.

The affected communities include Mansur, Dirgari, Yalo, Gwana, Futuk and other surrounding communities.

Governor Bala Mohammed who disclosed this on Thursday when he visited displaced persons taking refuge at Central Primary School Kashere in Akko local government area of Gombe State, where some of them took shelter, said the problems were so devastating that Bauchi had to seek the intervention of the federal government.

“I am here to commiserate with our people from this part of Alkaleri local government, which is my home area. Just two days ago (Tuesday), I was in Kafin Duguri, where a village was overrun by bandits. I am proud that our people stood their ground, resisted them bravely and forced them to run away into the surrounding plateaus,” the governor said.

He, however, raised concern over intelligence reports indicating that the bandits were regrouping in an area known as Dajin Madam in Alkaleri.

“Intelligence reports show that they are recruiting people, both from outside our environment and even from within. Some of those involved were previously engaged in illegal mining activities that we removed.

“Communities such as Mansur, Dirgari, Futuk, Yalo and Gwana and their environs have been pushed out by a large number of heavily armed bandits who stormed the areas in thousands, reportedly close to 10,000.

It is not easy for unarmed civilians, vigilantes or even security forces to confront such numbers.

“So it is not easy for these armless people to confront them, even our own vigilantes and security forces to confront them,” he said.

The governor said he will visit President Bola Tinubu to seek clear directives for the military and the police high command to launch a coordinated and decisive operation in the area.

He assured that security agencies are already making efforts and that technology and intelligence would be deployed to track criminal elements.

Governor Mohammed also announced that Bauchi State is in the process of recruiting about 2,000 youths into vigilante groups. According to him, they will receive proper training to support community protection efforts.

“There is no miracle that will fall from heaven. We must work together, the federal government, security agencies, community leaders and citizens to secure our land.

“Nobody will protect your territory more than you; more than yourselves. Your limitations and inadequacies in terms of arms will be provided by the police, the DSS and the military,” he stated.

He urged displaced residents to remain resolute, assuring them that the government would restore peace and facilitate their safe return home. According to him, in some communities even women are coming out boldly to protect their families.

Governor Mohammed commended the Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, as well as the people of Kashere for their solidarity and support.

“They received our displaced people not as refugees or IDPs, but as brothers and sisters. They provided shelter and food even before we arrived. This shows clearly that we are one people,” he said.

Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the affected communities.

Also, the chairman of Akko local government area of Gombe State, Hon. Mohammed Danladi Adamu, said measures were being taken to support the displaced persons.

Governor Bala Mohammed then proceeded to Futuk to condole and visit the district head, Ahmad Sani Adamu, at the Futuk District Head Palace.