Press Release: Bagudu vows more pungent measures against bandits

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has condoled the people of Gaya community, Danko Wasagu Local Government, over the recent bandits' attack in the area that resulted in the loss of lives and properties.

This is just as the Governor has also promised to take more pungent measures to further safeguard the lives and properties of all innocent citizens.

This is to bolster the immediate restoration of peace, unity, as well as the bouncing back of socioeconomic activities , especially farming .

Speaking on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the affected community, Bagudu regretted the nefarious acts of banditry in the area.

According to Bagudu ," it is really unfortunate that these obnoxious and deadly attacks occurred after the area had been quite and peaceful.

" We should not allow this vicious circle to continue , as such , all hands must be on the deck to provide plausible solutions to the problem.

" Security challenges are not common to Nigeria as they occur everywhere. We must be fast and proactive for peace to return."

The Chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum also admonished the people to regard the tragic incident as an inevitable act of the Almighty Allah that can be befall any mortal .

He said: " As mere mortals who believe in faith, both as Musims and Christians, we should regard this sad development as a trial from the Almighty Allah.

" Also, we should note that, passing blame will not solve the problem . What are required are mutual trust and respect for all .

" Certainly, more arms or ammunitions will not solve the problem, but respect, support and fervent prayers will do."

Bagudu again said that, the state government had the powers to ban 'Yan Sakai, but, it had not done so.

The Governor however urged the vigilantes to collaborate with the security agencies, traditional rulers and the various communities, to ensure the success of their activities.

While restating the need to offer immediate relief assistance and shelter to the internally displaced persons, Bagudu cautioned against spreading rumours and fake news.

He also said that, the losses of lives were collective and called for more patience, prayers, vigilance and mutual assistance , in order to shame the detractors .

Bagudu prayed the Almighty Allah to repose the souls of the deceased and give the bereaved families the formidable fortitude to bear the irreparable losses .

In his brief remarks , rtd General Muhammadu Magoro, while sympathising with the people of area, said the attacks were perpetrated from outside the country to destabilize Nigeria.

He assured the people that President Muhammadu Buhari is taking measures to end banditry, calling on them to remain calm and law abiding.

Similarly, Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, representing Kebbi South, urged the people to see it as ordained by Allah.

He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Governor with Federal Government to overcome the security challenges in the area.

" The governor is deeply touched and concerned over your plight, we are also concerned, as well, as your leaders, we share your pain and by the grace of God, this will come to an end, ' he said.

The House of Representatives Member, Hon. Kabiru Tukura, representing Zuru/Sakaba, Fakai and Danko Wasagu Federal constituency, Members, representing Danko Wasagu East and West in the State House of Assembly, Hon Haliru Aliyu Wasagu and Hon Abdullahi Danjuma, respectively, as well as Y.C. Maikyau, SAN , all appealed for calm and prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and their families to have the strength to bear the lost.

They explained that the governor was doing his best to bring the ugly situation to an end .

On his part, the Village head of Gaya, Alhaji Ahmad Ubandoma Gaya and others like Suleiman Abdullahi , Suleiman Isah, Amadu Yarkuka, Muhammad Isah, Pastor Saad Amadu, Garba Musa, the Vigilante Commander, Danko Wasagu, all narrated how the bandits struck and killed over 70 people in the area and surrounding villages.

They appealed to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to assist in ensuring the deployment of more security personnel in the area for the protection of lives, so that they could go back to their farms.

The Head of the Chiefdom of Wasagu, Alhaji Muktar Musa Wasagu, thanked the governor for his sympathy visit and assistance to the victims.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
6/6/2021