SAYS INSECURITY HAS REACHED AN ALARMING LEVEL IN SOKOTO
The Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya (Walin Sokoto), has expressed grave concern over the reported abduction of more than 50 residents of Garin Idi, the hometown of the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, describing the incident as further evidence of the worsening security situation across the state. He said the latest attack demonstrates that insecurity has become so pervasive that even communities associated with senior government officials are no longer insulated from the activities of armed criminal groups.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Hon. Dan’iya said the repeated attacks, kidnappings, killings and displacement of innocent citizens across Sokoto State indicate that both the Federal and Sokoto State Governments have fallen short of the constitutional responsibility placed upon them under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. He noted that no society can attain meaningful development where citizens are forced to live under constant fear of violence and criminal attacks.
The ADC governorship candidate described as deeply disturbing reports that residents allegedly had to negotiate directly with armed bandits and raise money within their community to secure the release of abducted women, elderly persons and Qur’anic students. He said such reports, if accurate, highlight the desperation of affected communities and underscore the urgent need for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms across vulnerable parts of the state. He added that the recurring incidents should serve as a wake-up call for government to reassess its security architecture and strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
Hon. Dan’iya expressed disappointment over what he described as the inadequate urgency with which the state government has responded to the persistent wave of insecurity affecting several local government areas. He observed that attacks have continued to occur in many rural communities with devastating humanitarian and economic consequences, including loss of lives, disruption of farming activities, displacement of families and growing fear among residents. According to him, the people of Sokoto deserve visible leadership, empathy and decisive action during moments of crisis.
He called on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and all security agencies to intensify operations against criminal elements, reinforce security in vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are apprehended and brought to justice. He also appealed for increased support for affected communities through humanitarian assistance and sustained security measures that would enable residents to return to their normal lives without fear.
Hon. Dan’iya extended his sympathy to the people of Garin Idi and all communities affected by insecurity across Sokoto State, praying Almighty Allah to continue protecting the people, preserving the peace of the state and granting wisdom and strength to security personnel in the discharge of their duties. He reaffirmed the commitment of the ADC to pursuing policies that prioritise the protection of lives and property, strengthen community security, promote economic opportunities and restore public confidence in governance, expressing optimism that with responsible leadership and collective resolve, lasting peace can be restored to Sokoto State.
