The Sokoto state government on Wednesday, convened a stakeholders meeting on security as bandits’ attacks persist in the state.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE learnt that 50,000 residents of Sabon Birni local government area were dislodged by bandits last week.
Confirming the development, the member representing Sabon Birni North, Musa Almustapha Boza said the displaced persons are currently taking refuge at Tudun Sunna in Maradi state of Niger Republic.
Boza, who was elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused the state government of doing nothing to salvage their situation.
“I have been trying to see the governor over the matter but he declined to see me,” he alleged.
The lawmaker who spoke with newsmen, also alleged that the state government did not send a delegation to sympathize with the people or relief materials to the victims who he said, are living in an open
space in the camp.
Boza added that 17 communities were deserted in the area due to incessant bandits’ attacks.
Our correspondent reports that the stakeholders’ meeting lasted for less than an hour.
The meeting which was chaired by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was attended by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Manir Dan’iya.
Others attendees include two former Governors of the state, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, former deputy governors; lawmakers; heads of security agencies in the state as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi was represented at the meeting by the AIG, zone 10.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahya who is also from the state sent in an apology.
One of the contributors, Sheikh Abubakar Jibril urged the state government to support the security agencies and vigilante groups with logistics towards addressing the menace.
Also Speaking at the occasion, former governor of the state, Bafarawa called on the people to jettison their differences and unite against banditry and other crimes in the state.
On his part, Wamakko called for a holistic approach to tackling the problem.
In his remarks, Governor Tambuwal thanked the stakeholders for making efforts to attend the meeting, while promising that the state government would implement the outcome of the interface.
