Sokoto Gov Aliyu Pledges Sustained Offensive Against Bandits, Vows Safe Return of IDPs
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has vowed that his administration will sustain its efforts to combat banditry until internally displaced persons (IDPs) are able to return safely to their ancestral communities.
The governor made the commitment on Thursday while declaring open the 8th regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council.
Aliyu in a statement by his spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, said the state government was strengthening its collaboration with conventional security agencies through a more robust strategy aimed at restoring peace and improving security across the state.
He said the efforts were already yielding positive results, noting that security agencies had intensified operations against bandits and recovered rustled livestock in some local government areas.
“We are recording tremendous improvement in our fight against banditry in the state, and we will not relent until we make the state safer,” the governor said.
He cited recent operations in Rabah, Tureta and Kebbe Local Government Areas, where security personnel engaged bandits, rescued people from captivity and recovered thousands of rustled livestock.
The governor also said the provision of new armoured vehicles and other operational equipment to security agencies would further strengthen their capacity to pursue bandits and make rural communities safer.
Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support to security agencies to protect lives and property, while urging residents to continue supporting government efforts to restore lasting peace across the state.
On development, the governor said his administration would continue to implement projects with direct impact on citizens in line with its nine-point agenda.
He said that over the last three and a half years, the administration had implemented projects and programmes in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, water supply, religious affairs and empowerment across the state.
“We are committed to achieving our dream of a New Sokoto that generations yet unborn will be proud of,” Aliyu added.
The governor also appealed to residents to continue offering their support and prayers for the success of the administration’s efforts to improve security and deliver development across Sokoto State.
