Communities in Kebbe local government area of Sokoto state, have demanded state and federal government intervention on tackling the worsening security challenges in the areas.
Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto on Saturday, community leader Adamu Kebbe decried on the persistent attacks by armed bandits.
Kebbe urged authorities to permit them to bear arms in alternative to non availability of enough security men in the areas adding that youths have faced the bandits at many occasions.
The leader who spoke on behalf of the affected communities, said bandits have forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, abandoning farmlands, livestock, and other sources of livelihood.
He described the situation as “tragic and unbearable,” lamenting that residents now live in constant fear.
He said inspite of repeated reports to authorities, the attacks have continued unabated.
Kebbe explained that many of the affected communities have been completely deserted due to incessant raids, adding that the absence of intervention could worsen the humanitarian situation in the area.
The community leader also appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to provide relief materials to victims who are now taking refuge in neighbouring towns and villages.
He underscored the importance of a comprehensive security arrangement to protect vulnerable communities, noting that without safety and stability, agricultural activities and businesses would not be possible.
Another speaker, Malam Tukur Fakku, decried that armed groups have continued to terrorize rural areas, targeting farmers, travellers, and local markets.
“We want the government to come to our aid with food, shelter, and medical support. Many families are stranded, and their condition is worsening daily,” Fakku said.
Fakku urged state and federal government to release the allocated fund to Kebbe local government areas in order to use the fund on supporting victims and proper solutions to lingering challenges.
He further appealed to national and state legislatives to live up the expectations on echoing citizens plights and use their positions on deploying more security personnel to tackle the security challenges.
The Newsmen reports that the event was group came under the umbrella of Concern Citizens of Kebbe local government area.
