Farmers abandon farms, 23 Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi LGs under bandits

Residents of at least 23 local government areas in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states are battling to survive as kidnappers, cattle rustlers and bandits make life difficult for them.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria indicates that residents of the affected areas have been forced to migrate, enter into an agreement with the criminals or live a life of uncertainty.

In Sokoto State, residents said local government areas worst affected are Isa, Sabon Birni, Gwadabawa, Illela, Tangaza and Goronyo.

NAN gathered that residents had been forced to abandon their farms, while some villages had been deserted across the affected LGAs.

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The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Mallam Abubakar Bawa, said the state government was aware of the enormity of the situation.

Bawa said, “We are giving priority to ensuring a safe environment.

“Addressing security challenges has remained top on our administration’s nine-point agenda.

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tafida, said the government was determined to end the security challenges and would continue to provide support for victims of bandits’ attacks who have been forced to leave their homes.

He said, “The state government, under the leadership of Dr. Nasir Idris, will leave no stone unturned in making sure that banditry comes to an end in the state.”

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor,  Ahmad Idris, said, “The government is doing its best to ensure that the situation is fully tackled.”

The Director,  Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen.  Edward Buba, admitted that insecurity is widespread in the North-West region.

He added that the military had deployed troops to various locations in the region to address the scourge.

Buba said, “The issue of insecurity is quite widespread in North-West of the country.  It is for this reason troops are strategically deployed to address the situation through Joint Task Force Operation Hadrin Daji; and Operation Whirl Punch, both of which are in the North-West.

“Periodic reports that have been made available to the media have indicated incremental improvements in the security situation as a result of these operations.” Punch