September 01, (THEWILL) – Residents of Sokoto State have commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the security and safety of lives and properties of the people by ordering an intensive security operation to flush out armed groups operating within the state.
Speaking with Journalists in Sokoto on Sunday, a cross-section of residents appreciated the Federal Government over the move which indicated its commitment and readiness to find a lasting solution to the menace.
Malam Garba Mailambu, a trader, said the directive has manifested the Federal Government’s intensified effort to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Mailambu said such a directive was expected during the last regime, stressing that deployment of necessary military assets and manpower would ensure that criminal elements were flushed out and peace was restored to the communities.
He urged the personnel to live up to the expectations and urged residents, especially those living in the affected settlements, to cooperate with the personnel and support the movement.
Dr. Habibu Ahmed Mada, an academician with Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, described the order given by President Tinubu through the Minister of State For Defence, Bello Matawalle, as a relief and great service to humanity following the escalating insecurity situation in some states of the North-West.
“The man is a good strategist who understands the trends, aware of their tactics, especially in my state. He was very successful in fighting against insurgents during his tenure in our state and region many times before becoming a Minister. So he needs an independent authority to crush them,” said Mada.
Mr Shehu Haruna, another resident, commended the Federal Government’s efforts and advised Matawalle, as an indigene of the North-West states, to intensify supervision operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandit gang were flushed out.
Haruna said that there is an urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to return to their farms and move freely.
He stressed that the Federal Government’s directive has shown deep concern about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in North West states.
Another resident, Ibrahim Dandare, expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the state and its environs.
Dandare explained that the present strategic move has indicated the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to restore peace and security in the region.
Even some opposition parties are in agreement with this new directive. In its reactions on Sunday, the coalition for opposition parties in Katsina expressed its support for President Tinubu and Matawalle over their foresight in sending the military, including the army and air force to be stationed in the state for effective coordination and operations against insecurity challenges bedevilling the region.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, said Minister Matawalle, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and others are moving to Sokoto.
Ogubike said the directive was aimed at ridding the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area.
“And late in the night, the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits. Later in the night, the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.
“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.
“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Ogubike said.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
