Bauchi Governor San, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Tuesday, visited Gwana District of Alkaleri LGA for an on-the-spot assessment of the security challenges in the area which had led to deaths of security personnel and civilians as well as abduction of many people by armed bandits
While there, the Governor made a passionate call for urgent Federal Government intervention to save the communities in the area following a deadly bandits attack on some communities.
Addressing the grieving community, Bala Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as unfortunate and painful, particularly as it occurred in his home area of Duguri.
Gov Bala said that security agencies are currently overwhelmed and require improved weapons and logistics to effectively tackle banditry.
Bala Mohammed disclosed that he has already briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the insecurity situation in the State while on an official visit to Abuja.
According to him, the President expressed condolences to the affected families and assured them of Federal support as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He noted that although Bauchi had significantly reduced banditry in areas such as Toro, Ningi, Ganjuwa, Jama’are and other parts of the State, the resurgence of attacks in Duguri remained a serious concern.
He, however, commended the courage of the Kafin Duguri people, noting that their resistance forced the attackers to flee just as he described the community as resilient and deeply rooted in their ancestral land, where farming remains the major source of livelihood.
Gov Bala said that banditry has been largely curtailed in other parts of the State but stressed that the government will not rest until peace is fully restored in Duguri and surrounding areas.
He announced plans to recruit and train more local vigilantes in collaboration with the Police, while assuring that the Bauchi State Government has taken full responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured victims.
The Governor prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives and called on residents to remain united and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to secure the area.
Bala Mohammed assured the community that his administration would continue working closely with federal security agencies and traditional rulers to strengthen protection in the area.
He emphasised that requests for additional security support and equipment had been forwarded to relevant authorities.
He also commended the courage and resistance shown by the local vigilantes and residents, who reportedly confronted over 100 armed bandits riding motorcycles and forced them to retreat.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies.
He emphasised that community cooperation is critical in tackling insecurity calling for synergy with all security agencies in order to overcome the challenges.
Earlier, the Emir of Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad, thanked the Governor for the visit and described the attack as a painful setback for the community.
He appealed for sustained security presence and greater government support to prevent future attacks and ensure lasting peace in the area.
Also speaking during the visit, the Village Head of Kafin Duguri informed the Governor and his entourage that the attackers, who reportedly came from the Dajin Madam axis, invaded the community in large numbers, killing four men.
He appealed for increased security presence and government intervention to prevent further attacks.
It could be recalled that the tragic incident occurred on Friday night when armed bandits reportedly invaded Kafin Duguri village in large numbers, but met stiff resistance from local residents who confronted them, leading to a fierce clash before the attackers retreated, leaving four people dead and others injured.