Senator Tambuwal Bemoans Renewed Bandit Attacks, Calls for Urgent Action in Sokoto
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed deep grief and concern over the renewed attacks by bandits and terrorists in parts of Sokoto State, which have resulted in deaths, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and the displacement of innocent residents.
Senator Tambuwal particularly condoled with the people of Kebbe Local Government Area, as well as the family and colleagues of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in the area.
Reacting to the incident, Tambuwal described the killing as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” stressing that the loss of every innocent life represents an irreparable tragedy for families and communities.
“The death of ASP Hussaini Balarabe in the line of duty is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our security personnel make every day to protect our people. We mourn his death and commend his courage and dedication to duty,” he said.
He also expressed sympathy with residents of Shagari Local Government Area following renewed terrorist attacks that have subjected communities to fear and insecurity, including incidents involving the abduction of residents and the rustling of livestock.
“Our people in Shagari and other affected communities should not be left to face these criminal elements alone. They deserve adequate protection, and we must do everything possible to restore their confidence and enable them to return to their communities, farms, and livelihoods without fear,” he said.
The former governor also extended his condolences to the people of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where communities have continued to suffer deadly attacks, killings, and abductions by armed groups.
He noted that the recurring attacks across the affected local government areas were not only a threat to lives and property but also a serious challenge to agriculture, commerce, and the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.
Tambuwal commended the courage and dedication of security personnel who continue to confront armed criminal groups despite the enormous risks involved. He urged governments at all levels and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, rapid-response capacity, and sustain military and police operations across vulnerable communities.
“We must strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid-response mechanisms. Security operations must be sustained, coordinated, and adequately resourced until these communities are safe and the criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” Tambuwal stressed.
He further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all those still in captivity and ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks are apprehended and brought to justice.
“I urge our security agencies not to relent until every person held in captivity is rescued. Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The Senator also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, while urging traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in the collective effort to restore peace across the affected areas.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens must work together and share credible information to defeat the forces of criminality threatening our communities,” he said.
Senator Tambuwal prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the souls of those killed, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, gives their families and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss, and grants speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.
He also prayed for the safe return of all persons still in captivity and for lasting peace, security, and stability to return to Kebbe, Shagari, Sabon Birni, and other communities affected by banditry and terrorism in Sokoto State.
“May Almighty Allah grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives, comfort their families, protect those still in captivity, and restore lasting peace to our communities. The people of Sokoto deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity,” the statement concluded.
