Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has expressed grave concern over the persistent wave of terrorist attacks ravaging several communities across Sokoto State, calling for an immediate and more decisive security response to halt the violence.
Tambuwal lamented that the recurring attacks have claimed many lives, forced residents from their homes, fueled kidnappings and cattle rustling, and created an atmosphere of fear across the country.
According to him, the worsening security situation has left many Nigerians feeling unsafe, as criminal attacks continue to spread to different parts of the nation.
The senator extended his condolences to the people of Kebbe Local Government Area following the killing of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who reportedly lost his life during a fierce exchange of gunfire with suspected bandits.
Describing the officer’s death as a painful national loss, Tambuwal paid tribute to his bravery and commitment to duty.
“The death of ASP Hussaini Balarabe in the line of duty is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our security personnel make every day to protect our people. We mourn his death and commend his courage and dedication to duty,” he said.
Tambuwal also sympathized with residents of Shagari Local Government Area, where fresh attacks by terrorists have continued to expose communities to fear and insecurity.
He stressed that affected residents deserve stronger protection from the government and security agencies.
“Our people in Shagari and other affected communities should not be left to face these criminal elements alone. They deserve adequate protection, and we must do everything possible to restore their confidence and enable them to return to their communities, farms, and livelihoods without fear,” he said.
The former governor equally commiserated with the people of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where repeated attacks by armed groups have resulted in killings, abductions and widespread destruction.
He noted that the continued violence in Kebbe, Shagari, Sabon Birni and other affected areas poses a serious threat not only to lives and property but also to farming activities, commerce and the economic survival of rural communities.
Tambuwal commended members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their courage in confronting criminal elements despite the enormous risks involved.
He, however, urged the Federal Government, state authorities and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, strengthen rapid-response capabilities and sustain coordinated security operations across vulnerable communities.
“We must strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid-response mechanisms. Security operations must be sustained, coordinated, and adequately resourced until these communities are safe and the criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” Tambuwal stressed.
The senator further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims still being held by kidnappers and ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
“I urge our security agencies not to relent until every person held in captivity is rescued. Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law,” he added.
Tambuwal also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, while encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens must work together and share credible information to defeat the forces of criminality threatening our communities,” he said.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attacks, asking that they be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for comfort for their families, the safe rescue of all those still in captivity, and the restoration of lasting peace and security across Kebbe, Shagari, Sabon Birni and other troubled communities in Sokoto State.
