No Part of Sokoto Under Bandits - Tambuwal

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State yesterday debunked a report of alleged control of parts of the state by bandits.

Speaking while presenting 80 patrol vehicles to security agencies in Sokoto, he said such report was not correct but orchestrated by “unrepentant elements” who were opposed to his government.

“We are not against constructive criticism or against any information that will help in curbing the menace, but what we are saying, people should verify and authenticate their information before making it public,” he said.

“Just recently, a group of people addressed a press conference alleging that some areas in Sokoto were being controlled by bandits, that the people in those areas sought permission from bandits before going to the market or holding marriages and naming ceremonies,” he said.

“When I read the story, I called the Director, DSS and advised him to invite the convener and ask him in a courteous manner to name those places so that we could go and liberate them. But when he came, he said he was misled to make such claims and apologized,” he added.

The governor appealed to the citizens to stop spreading false information capable of discrediting his government and security agencies.

He reiterated his commitment to end banditry in the state, and appealed to politicians to desist from playing politics with security.

Tambuwal further said; “We are not resting, we shall overcome these criminals very soon.”

He appealed for support for security agencies, saying there is a plan to establish a central communication control unit where distress calls would be received and passed to security agencies for quick action. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his resolve to end the menace in the state.