Sokoto State in North West Nigeria is notorious for kidnapping and banditry
Chairman of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto East Senatorial District, Hon. Sharehu Kamarawa, has dismissed allegations suggesting that he failed to act on intelligence reports about impending bandit attacks in his area.
Describing the social media reports as “false and misleading,” Kamarawa said he promptly took proactive measures upon receiving information about the movement of suspected bandits.
According to a statement personally signed by the chairman, the local government immediately mobilized local vigilante groups and alerted conventional security agencies to the reported danger. However, the attackers reportedly diverted through an alternative route, bypassing the area that had been reinforced.
> “The attention of the Isa Local Government Council has been drawn to a recent comment by a social media user alleging that the Executive Chairman of Isa Local Government failed to act upon an alert about the movement of suspected bandits from a particular village within the area,” the statement read.
“The Council wishes to categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on ground. Upon receiving the said alert, the local government authority immediately took proactive steps by mobilizing local security guards and notifying the relevant security agencies for swift action.”
Kamarawa further explained that security personnel were deployed to the location mentioned in the alert, but the bandits changed their route, leading to an unfortunate incident elsewhere. In response, the council boss said he relieved the local commander in charge of the affected zone of his duties for negligence and appointed a replacement to ensure “more responsive and decisive action going forward.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the chairman stated that the council has continued to provide consistent support to security agencies operating within Isa LGA.
> “It is important to emphasize that the Isa Local Government has remained fully committed and responsive in addressing security challenges across all communities. Over the past months, the Council has consistently supported security agencies with logistics, operational allowances, fuel, and other essential materials to enhance their operational capacity,” Kamarawa noted.
He extended his condolences to the affected families and assured residents of the council’s sustained efforts to protect lives and property. Kamarawa also highlighted ongoing support for local vigilante groups to ensure continuous collaboration with formal security outfits.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for his intervention and commitment to combating banditry in the state.
> “His Excellency has also established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, a homegrown security outfit designed to work alongside conventional forces, and facilitated the establishment of an air component for Operation Fashin Yamma as a major step in enhancing rapid aerial response to security threats in our localities,” he added.
