Calls for Enhanced Security Measures Amid Ongoing Attacks in Sokoto State
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Manil Daniya, the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election, are urging immediate security intervention following a surge of bandit attacks in the region.
In a troubling series of events, a bandit attack on the Dan Gurbi settlement in Tuleta Local Government Area resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals just 48 hours prior. On Tuesday, the same village faced another assault, with reports indicating that over 20 people may have lost their lives and numerous homes were destroyed.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that a gang of heavily armed assailants on motorcycles invaded the village around 8 a.m., firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety. One local described the chaos: “They came and started firing at us. People ran in different directions to protect their lives,” highlighting the attackers’ presence in the village for hours as they set several houses ablaze.
The recent clash follows a harrowing encounter on Sunday, when bandits previously raided the same community, leaving 17 people dead, including visitors celebrating Eid el-Kabir. This pattern of violence has left the community on edge and raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
In response to the renewed bloodshed, Tambuwal expressed his outrage, labeling the repeated attacks as “disgusting, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the peace and security of our community.” In a statement released on Tuesday, the former governor conveyed his sorrow over the loss of lives, property destruction, and the ensuing displacement of families.
Tambuwal emphasized, “Our citizens have the right to live safely and pursue their livelihoods without fear,” calling on security agencies to escalate their efforts to restore peace across vulnerable areas, particularly within the Sokoto-Zamfara axis.
Echoing these sentiments, Daniya voiced his concern regarding the escalating violence, advocating for an urgent reassessment of the state’s security approach. He remarked that the ongoing assaults in rural regions underscore the community’s vulnerability, despite prior pleas for decisive action against criminal activity.
“Leadership is most tested in moments of crisis,” Daniya noted. “People expect not only action but also empathy and reassurance from those entrusted with governance.” He highlighted the necessity for increased intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies, and enhanced protection measures for at-risk communities.
Furthermore, Daniya urged law enforcement to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those responsible for the recent attacks, while encouraging local leaders and residents to provide security agencies with actionable information. The State Police Command has confirmed receipt of a distress call from Tureta and stated that personnel were dispatched to the scene. Police spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufai reported that they await a detailed account from officers present at the location.
