Tackle Insecurity, Not Rice Donations, NDC Guber Candidate Tells Sokoto Gov’t
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sokoto State, Dr. Shamsuddeen Haido, has urged the Sokoto State Government to focus more on addressing insecurity rather than distributing relief materials to victims of bandit attacks.
Haido made the call on Tuesday when he spoke on phone with GaskiyaCast Correspondent, while reacting to the recent visit of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, to internally displaced persons, IDPs in Tureta Local Government Area.
The victims, drawn from Dangulbi and neighbouring communities in Tureta LGA, were forced to flee their homes following attacks by armed bandits.
According to Haido, while humanitarian assistance remains important, residents of the state urgently need protection from recurring attacks and violence.
He expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Sokoto State, particularly in rural communities where residents continue to face threats to their lives, property, and means of livelihood.
Haido argued that although food items and cash donations may offer temporary relief, lasting solutions can only be achieved through improved security and the restoration of peace in affected areas.
“The people of Sokoto need security more than they need money and bags of rice. What our people are asking for is protection.” He declared.
“Our want to sleep with their eyes closed, cultivate their farms without fear, and move freely within their communities” he added.
He noted that the growing number of internally displaced persons across the state underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures and a coordinated response to banditry and other criminal activities.
Haido lamented the hardship endured by displaced families, many of whom have lost their homes, farmlands, livestock, and other sources of income due to repeated attacks.
He maintained that reliance on relief materials alone would not address the root causes of the crisis affecting rural communities.
The NDC candidate called on the state government to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional leaders and local vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities.
He also advocated for increased investment in security infrastructure, rapid response mechanisms, and support programmes that would enable victims of violence to safely return and rebuild their lives.
Haido extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He assured displaced persons that their plight would remain a key focus of his advocacy and political engagements, and eventually if elected the next governor of Sokoto State.
