Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has raised concerns over escalating insecurity in Alkaleri Local Government Area, revealing that more than 10,000 armed bandits are currently attacking communities in the area.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday during a visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri and Gwana communities following recent bandit attacks.
The displaced residents are currently taking refuge in a government learning facility in Kashere, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Describing the situation as “very bad,” Mohammed said thousands of residents had been forced out of their homes by heavily armed criminal groups.
“Our people have been pushed out by about 10,000 well-armed bandits,” he said, appealing to the Federal Government for urgent intervention.
He further alleged that the bandits are recruiting both locals and outsiders, including former illegal miners, to strengthen their operations.
The governor commended the Gombe State Government and the Kashere community for hosting the displaced persons and assured that efforts were underway to restore peace in the affected areas.
“We’ll meet with the President tomorrow to get directives for the military and police to tackle the issue. We’ll use technology and other means to decimate the bandits,” Mohammed stated.
As part of immediate measures, he announced plans to recruit 2,000 youths into vigilante groups to be trained as forest guards, stressing the importance of community participation in addressing insecurity.
“This is the first time we’re facing this challenge, but we’ll overcome it,” he added, while apologising to the host community for any inconvenience caused by the influx of displaced persons.
Earlier, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured residents that additional security personnel had been deployed to the troubled communities.
“I want to assure the people that we are committed to the immediate restoration of peace and security in that environment. All strategies and arrangements have been put in place to ensure that peace and security return immediately to that axis,” the police chief said.
He pledged that security agencies would not allow any part of Bauchi State to remain under the control of criminal elements.
