Bauchi Bandits attacks: Governor Bala Visits Displaced Communities In Gombe.
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad of Bauchi State visited displaced persons from Futuk, Mansur, Gwana and other affected communities in Kashere, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, following recent bandit attacks that forced thousands to flee their homes.
The affected residents are currently taking refuge at Kashere Central Primary School, in Gombe state where they are being sheltered through the combined efforts of community groups and the leadership of Akko Local Government Council.
Muhammad, announced that there are over 10,000 “well-armed” bandits that are attacking villagers in communities in Alkaleri Local Council of the state.
The governor submitted when he visited the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri, and Gwana communities in Alkaleri LGA due to recent attacks.
The governor, while sympathising with the IDPs sheltered in a government schools at Kashere area of neighbouring Gombe State, described the situation as “very bad.”
Muhammad, who appealed for urgent intervention from the Federal Government, said his people have been pushed out by about “10,000 well-armed bandits.” and displacing more than 100,000 residents.
He added that the bandits were recruiting locals and outsiders, including former illegal miners
Addressing the displaced persons Governor Bala Muhammad said he was in Kashere to personally commiserate with the victims and assess the situation on ground.
The Governor raised concerns over what he described as an “ungoverned space” around Dajin Madam forest, alleging that bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West have regrouped in the area and are recruiting both outsiders and locals, including some formerly involved in illegal mining activities.
He noted that police drones had helped in repelling some of the attackers but stressed that more coordinated efforts were urgently needed.
Muhammad disclosed that he would meet President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to seek stronger military support, additional arms for security agencies, and proper training for vigilantes and forest guards.
He emphasized that while governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack direct control over security apparatus and weapon deployment.
The Governor further announced plans for a joint security summit involving the governors of Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Benue States to develop a coordinated strategy to flush out bandits and reclaim affected territories.
According to him, a decisive and unified onslaught is necessary to permanently address the growing insecurity in the region.
The Governor assured the displaced communities that efforts were underway to clear the bandits and facilitate their safe return, stressing that communities must also work closely with security agencies to defend their territories.
He commended the people of Kashere for accommodating the victims “not as IDPs, but as brothers and sisters,” despite the disruption to academic activities at the primary school.
The Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, Hon. Danladi Adamu Akko, briefed the Governor on measures taken to provide shelter, food and basic assistance to the displaced persons.
In his remarks, the Emir of Pindiga, Muhammad Seyoji Ahmad, pledged continued support and cooperation from traditional institutions in ensuring peace and stability.
The visit underscores growing calls for intensified federal intervention as North-East states confront increasing spillover of banditry from other parts of the country.
He revealed that over 10,000 heavily armed bandits were reported to have invaded several communities including Mansur, Digare, Yelwan Fatuk and Gwana, of Alkaleri local government area, overwhelming local vigilantes and security operatives,
Meanwhile Gov. Bala raised alarm over escalating insecurity in the state, saying that bandits have taken over many ungoverned spaces.
Muhammad on Friday appealed to President Bola Tinubu for urgent security intervention following renewed bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
He warned that the situation could spiral into a humanitarian crisis if not swiftly contained.
He made the appeal after an emergency meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he briefed him on what he described as the takeover of “ungoverned spaces” in parts of the state by armed groups.
Speaking journalists after the meeting, the governor said the security situation in Alkaleri had escalated beyond the capacity of existing state security architecture.
“Some bandits have become so emboldened and they have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there, coming out from the Daji Dam area.
“We have been having sporadic clashes and skirmishes with them alongside security agencies, but it appears that all of us are overwhelmed and the situation is escalating to a level where it could become a big humanitarian crisis,” Muhammad said.
He disclosed that residents, gripped by fear, were fleeing to neighbouring states and local governments, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan period.
“Out of fear and paranoia, most of the inhabitants are running to other states and other local governments at this time of fasting.
“That’s why I visited the area with heads of security agencies, assessed the situation, and brought a report to Mr President to seek special presidential intervention,” he said.
