Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has firmly stated that Bauchi remains the safest state in the North-East region, insisting that recent security incidents should not be mistaken for banditry.
Speaking on Wednesday during an extraordinary meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC), the Governor addressed concerns about a recent incident in Darazo.
He said, “Yes, we had an incident in Darazo last week and it was reported. But I want to make it clear that it was a community issue, not banditry. We are on the ground and we know what is happening.”
Governor Mohammed assured residents and investors that the situation was under control, adding that some details could not be disclosed for security reasons. “What happened in Darazo was not banditry. We will handle it with the Police and the DSS.”
Addressing the closure of some schools, he explained that the action was taken following advice from security agencies as a precaution due to threats of student abductions.
“We closed the schools because security agencies advised us to. They have more information than we do, and they warned of possible abductions,” he said.
He added that the state government was working to improve safety in schools. “By the end of the year, all our schools will be fenced, with lighting installed. We are also recruiting vigilantes to fully implement the safe-school programme.”
On financial matters, the Governor described the upcoming state budget as a “budget of consolidation,” emphasizing the government’s focus on completing ongoing projects.
“We don’t want to abandon any project. We must carry every project to a stage where the benefits are clear and measurable,” he said.
Governor Mohammed also revealed that Bauchi State would take a foreign loan for the first time to support development projects. He clarified that the borrowing would be strictly for work that benefits citizens.
Key sectors targeted for investment include water supply, agriculture, rural development, and secondary education.
He urged Commissioners to begin preparations for the 2026 budget early to ensure smooth implementation, stressing that Bauchi State fully executes its budgets unlike the federal government.
The Governor concluded by acknowledging that the achievements of his administration were made possible by the people’s resources:
“We are not proud or arrogant about what we have done. Everything we have achieved is with the resources of the people, and we are their servants. Our joy is that we are leaving Bauchi State better than we met it.”
