BANDITS GROW BOLDER, SEIZING UNGOVERNED AREAS — BALA MOHAMMED EXPRESSES CONCERN
Read Time:1 Minute, 42 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has raised the alarm over a surge in banditry in parts of the state, warning that armed groups are emboldened and have taken control of ungoverned areas.
Mohammed said the situation has left security agencies overwhelmed, creating the risk of a humanitarian crisis as residents flee their communities in search of safety.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu following Juma’at prayers at the State House Mosque on Friday, the governor described the worsening insecurity as a “big humanitarian crisis,” with people fleeing amid escalating bandit attacks.
He painted a grim picture of forests bordering Taraba State, Gombe State, and Plateau State, saying the areas are largely ungoverned. “In my local government of Alkaleri, some bandits have become so emboldened, taking over ungoverned spaces near Dajin Dam, resulting in clashes with security forces,” he said.
Mohammed confirmed that he briefed the President on the crisis and requested special intervention. He added that directives have already been given, and he is following up with senior security officials, including the National Security Adviser, to ensure action is taken.
READ MORE :
RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS LAUNCH GREATER KOSOFE SECRETARIAT TO DEEPEN COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
He also proposed a summit with governors of neighbouring states—Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe—alongside security agencies, aiming to resolve the crisis collaboratively. “Bauchi has enjoyed peace for the past 10 years, and this threat comes at a time when our investments in oil, gas, and mining are growing. We cannot allow this to undermine progress,” he said.
Reiterating his long-standing support for state policing, Mohammed argued it would ease the burden on federal forces and improve responsiveness, emphasizing that security of lives and property is the state’s top priority.
On political speculation, the governor affirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, dismissing rumors of defection. He highlighted recent party gains in the FCT Area Council elections as evidence of the PDP’s resilience and nationwide presence.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0