31st January, 2023
By Muhammad Lawal
The Kebbi Government called for intervention of the military to restore order in Danko-Wasagu and Sakaba Local Governments areas of the state where bandits have displaced inhabitants of eight villages.
Kebbi State Deputy governor, retired Col. Sama’ila Yombe-Dabai, made the request while receiving new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, in Birnin Kebbi on behalf of Governor Atiku Bagudu.
According to him, the military intervention was necessary in view of the forthcoming general elections.
“As I speak with you, Warkata, Kulgi, Maitaba, Dankolo, Makuku, Kabaro, Danlayi and Dankande are all empty.
“I was at Warkata two weeks ago just to confirm what I was told; these are villages with large number of voters and if they are displaced we will be displaced too.
“I am sure with your presence, we will have no problem,” the governor added.
He also urged the GOC to deploy troops to patrol strategic locations in the state, so as to block the routes being used by bandits.
He said that those displaced would not be able to return without effective military intervention.
“The military should extend its helping hands to restore confidence in the minds of people in the affected areas,” the governor added
.
The new GOC, who also doubles as Commander, Operation Hadarin Daji, had earlier said he was in Kebbi to interact with troops and encourage them to work hard to secure the state.
“I want them to know my philosophy on how we are going to counter the menace of bandits in this part of the country,” Matkut said.
The GOC commended the state government for its support to the army and assured that the military would root out the bandits and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
(NAN)
KLM/MZA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed