As part of moves to tackle banditry, the Sokoto State government is mobilizing various groups to participate in joint volunteers’ vigilante groups to complement its efforts in tackling banditry and other crimes.
This came to light at an interactive session which was attended by representatives of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, farmers, herdsmen, local government authorities at Kebbe Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto, Alhaji Lawalli Fakku, said the area which shares border with Zamfara and Kebbi states was facing security challenges, following annual influx of herders and others.
He noted that farmers/herdsmen conflict, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and robbery are among security challenges recorded in the area and other places in the state.
Fakku said the meeting which was with the support of the state government was to foster unity and cordial relationship among various ethnic groups in the area and encourage them to participate in the venture.
The Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Lt.Col. Ibrahim Sheriff, who represented the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, said officers had been deployed to Kebbe and environs to work out modalities to handle security matters.
The National Chairman of Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, called on herdsmen to ensure participation in the joint volunteers’ vigilante groups in their respective areas.
Kiruwa expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute towards fishing out bandits within communities.
The District Head of Balle, Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, pledged the support and commitment of traditional rulers to success of the initiative.
