By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
As the dreaded Lakurawa bandits continue their incessant attacks on Kebbi State communities along the Nigeria-Niger border, Governor Nasir Idris has requested the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to establish a Military Operational Base (MOB) at the border.
He said the request has become imperative in view of the hit-and-run tactics recently employed by the bandits.
Governor Idris, visibly disturbed by the devastating impact of the bandits’ activities in the border villages, disclosed his next line of action while addressing residents of Gesse II Housing, Birnin Kebbi, at his residence on Wednesday night.
Having returned from the affected villages shortly before the meeting, he announced:
“I have just called the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and humbly requested the immediate establishment of a Military Operational Base at the border.”
According to him,
“The bandits have been attacking innocent villagers in Arewa Local Government, killing dozens of people, destroying houses, and carting away valuable properties before rushing back to Sokoto State and Niger Republic.”
Governor Idris noted that although he is satisfied with the efforts of the joint security task force, the bandits’ new tactics require a different approach, with more personnel and sophisticated weapons.
To strengthen security, the Governor disclosed that an additional four Hilux vehicles have been provided to the joint task force for a revised strategic operation.
“The major responsibility of any responsible government is to protect the lives and properties of the people. I am fully committed to that, at all costs and by all means,” he affirmed.
While the government has commenced stock-taking of properties lost in Birnin Debe, Dan Marke, and Tambo villages, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp has been established to shelter affected residents.
Residents Commend Governor Idris
In his remarks, the leader of Gesse II residents, Alhaji Muhammadu Dan’atto Mayanan Gwandu, commended the Governor for fulfilling his pledge to provide streetlights and additional road projects in their community.
Reprisal Attacks After Bandit Leader’s Death
It will be recalled that armed bandits, suspected to be Lakurawa fighters, sacked at least eight villages in what is believed to be a reprisal attack following the killing of their boss, Maigemu, by combined security forces.
However, Governor Nasir Idris visited the ravaged villages, where he pledged the quick resettlement of the displaced persons.
