Governor Bala Mohammed has called on residents of Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi State affected by bandit attacks to return to their communities and defend themselves, assuring them of government support with weapons and training.
The governor made the call while addressing displaced residents in Duguri community in Alkaleri LGA, urging them to confront bandits threatening their villages.
According to him, the state government is prepared to support community members willing to protect their homes by providing the necessary arms and security training.
“All you need from the government is to support you to fight these bandits. We must provide you with the desired weapons to protect yourselves,” the governor said.
He added that security agencies would be directed to train residents on how to defend their communities effectively.
“We will also direct the security personnel to give you the necessary training to fight the bandits. But you have to stay in your communities and protect yourselves. No one will fight this war for you,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed commended residents of Kafin-Duguri for their recent resistance against bandits, where locals reportedly killed more than 20 attackers despite losing four community members during the confrontation.
“You need to face these bandits squarely. You are brave people and I’m sure you can fight this war,” he said, encouraging them to remain courageous.
The governor also linked the recent attacks to attempts by criminal groups to exploit untapped oil resources in parts of Bauchi and neighbouring Gombe State.
He explained that the state government’s ban on illegal mining was introduced to curb criminal activities such as kidnappings and the forced recruitment of locals by bandits.
Mohammed insisted that residents must remain in their ancestral communities despite the threats.
“We will not go anywhere; we will rather stay and die in our communities,” he said. “Those who were killed died as martyrs.”
The governor assured affected communities that the state government would continue working with security agencies to restore peace and protect lives and property across the state.
