Governor Aminu Tambuwal has lamented how Zamfara bandits are terrorising Sokoto residents.
The governor stated this when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, visited him on Monday in Sokoto.
Mr Tambuwal appealed for more efforts to contain the security challenges, confirming that a gang of bandits attacked communities in Goronyo local government area in the state and killed scores of people on Sunday.
He emphasised that more security presence and collective strategies were needed to contain the increasing security challenges bedevilling the state and nation at large.
According to him, bandits flushed out Zamfara are fleeing to Sokoto and other states.
“From last night, yesterday evening till this morning, we were greeted with dastardly attacks in Goronyo local government, particularly Goronyo town, where scores lost their lives and still counting,” said the governor. “We are not sure of the figure, but about 30 persons died.”
Mr Tambuwal appealed for a synergy between the army and other security operatives in the state while requesting more troops and deployment of resources to the state.
He described the visit by the COAS as a homecoming, noting that his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as COAS had been widely greeted with cheers in Sokoto, being an indigene of the state.
“You have come at a very trying moment for the army and the Nigerian nation. We are faced and bedevilled by many security challenges in our own area here, particularly banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes,” added Mr Tambuwal. “We shall continue to pray for your success, the army and its operatives in general, to ensure success over criminals.”
The governor pledged that his administration would continue to support the army and other security agencies toward achieving success.
(NAN)