The shutdown of telecommunication services is aiding bandits’ attacks in the eastern part of Sokoto state.
A government official who sought for anonymity confided in our reporter that, before the shutdown, people living in bandits- prone areas were monitoring the movement of bandits in their respective communities.
“If bandits are passing through this community, they will quickly notify the neighbouring communities of their movement who will go into hiding before their arrival.
“That was why the state was recording low casualty before this decision (telecom shutdown) was taken,” he said
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE notes that about 100 people were killed in the eastern part of the state in recent times.
In Sabon Birni alone, over 50 people were killed within two months including security personnel; while about 50 were killed in Goronyo and Gwadabawa local government areas in both attacks and reprisal attacks between bandits and ‘Yan Sakai (volunteer vigilantes).
Governor Tambuwal, while confirming the Goronyo attack said that 32 traders lost their lives during the attack.
“Between last night, yesterday evening till this morning, we were greeted with a very dastardly attack in Goronyo local government, particularly Goronyo township, where scores in tens have lost their lives and still counting. We’re not sure of the figure. But it is 30 something,” the governor explained.
He appealed for synergy between the army and other security operatives in the state while requesting for the presence of more forces in the state and the deployment of more resources.
He pledged that his administration shall continue to support the army and other security operatives.
