Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on residents of Alkaleri Local Government Area affected by bandit attacks to return to their communities and defend themselves, assuring them of government support with weapons and training.
Mohammed made the call while addressing displaced residents in Duguri community, urging them to remain courageous in the face of the security challenges.
He said the state government would collaborate with security agencies to provide necessary support to enable residents protect their communities.
“All you need from the government is support to fight these bandits. We must provide you with the desired weapons to protect yourselves.
“We will also direct security personnel to give you the necessary training to fight the bandits. But you have to stay in your communities and protect yourselves. No one will fight this war for you,” he said.
The governor commended residents of Kafin-Duguri community for their recent resistance against bandits, where locals reportedly killed more than 20 attackers.
He, however, noted that four residents also lost their lives during the confrontation.
“You need to face these bandits squarely. You are brave people and I’m sure you can fight this war.
“We will support you to win the fight by the grace of God,” Mohammed added.
The governor attributed the attacks in parts of Bauchi and neighbouring Gombe State to the activities of bandits seeking to exploit untapped oil resources in the area.
He explained that the state government had banned illegal mining activities to curb kidnapping and the forced recruitment of residents by criminal groups.
Mohammed stressed that residents must remain committed to defending their communities, insisting that they had no better place to call home.
“We will not go anywhere; we will rather stay and die in our communities. Those who were killed died as martyrs,” he said.
He assured the affected communities of continued government support in tackling insecurity in the area.
