Category: News

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Against the backdrop of insecurity and proliferation of illegal arms in parts of the state and beyond, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto has called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to come up with a legislation that would prescribe either a death sentence or life imprisonment for unlawful possession of arms in the country.

Speaking at an interactive session with students and youth on security at the Sultan Maccido Center on Saturday, Tambuwal expressed dissatisfaction over the proliferation of small and light weapons (SALWs) in the country.

According to him, there are more SALWs in the hand of non state actors across the country than there are in the hands of security operatives.

“I am therefore appealing to the National Assembly and the Presidency to come up with a legislation that will prescribe a disarmament period in the country.

“Those in possession of unlicenced arms should go and register them and if the arms cannot be licensed, they should be surrendered to government and the government will pay you your money.

“And after the grace period, a maximum punishment like a death sentence or life imprisonment should be prescribed for unlawful possession of arms. This is the only way we can have peace in this country,” he said

The Governor also suggested a robust recruitment of security manpower, especially the police, in order to ensure the protection of the citizenry.

While calling for an improved renumeration and life insurance for security operatives in the country, he, however, commended the federal government for establishing the Police Trust Fund, which would go a long way in addressing their challenges.

On the bandits activities in some parts of Sokoto, the Governor said arrangements are in top gear to establish a state vigilante group which could be deployed to troubled areas.

The group, he explained would operate the ambit of the law and in conjunction with the security agencies, so “that they will not take law into their hands.”

He recalled that the recent reprisal attacks in which the bandits killed dozens was triggered by the activities of vigilante in some of the areas attacked.

The Governor who noted that ignorance and climate change are among the causes of insecurity in the state, said some of the bandits lacked even basic knowledge of Islam, thus ignorant of what the religion says on killing of innocent soul.

He tasked the dominant religious groups in the state to take their preachings to villages and other remote areas where it was needed the most, saying that education was vital to peace and development.

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

Sokoto state government has imposed a 12 hour restriction on the movement of motorcycles in four local government areas of the state where bandits have been on the loose recently.

The local government areas affected by the motorcycles movement restriction are Isa, Sabon Birni, Rabah and Goronyo.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state disclosed this after over two hours meeting of the State Advisory Security Council (SASC) meeting held at palace of the Sultan of Sokoto Wednesday.

Apart from the motorcyclists restriction which will last from 6 pm-6 am, the SASC also resolved that all motorcycles and their respective riders in the affected local government areas will be duely registered by constituted authorities.

In this regard, the governor explained, the Police, Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) in conjunction with traditional authorities have been directed to ensure compliance to the directive.

He appealed to members of the public in the state and those in the affected areas to understand that this measure is being taken in the best interest of all.

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has reiterated that the issue of insecurity in the Eastern part of the state should not be politicized as it is a serious one that affects the lives and property of everyone.

This was contained in a release signed and issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser on media and publicity to the governor,Muhammad Bello.

Gov. Tambuwal made the appeal at the State Advisory Security Council (SASC) meeting held at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar in Sokoto.

The SASC meeting was as a result of the state Security Council resolution held on earlier in the week in Government House, Sokoto.

According to Gov. Tambuwal, “nothing, including worship is possible if there is insecurity.”

Asking for “sincere deliberations and consultations,” the governor observed that “if the bandits attack any community they don’t distinguish between PDP and APC members. They attack anybody they meet. For this reason, we should not politicise security, health and development issues.”

Gov. Tambuwal, while soliciting for the advices of all stakeholders in the state also pleaded with them to furnish the forum with honest inputs and information on what the security situation is like in all the affected areas.

Before the meeting went into a closed door session, the Sultan while consoling and commiserating with victims of banditry in the affected areas, urged citizens to pray fervently as security operatives work to control the situation.

Explaining that the SASC is a high profile security meeting intended to collate opinions and views from an extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Sultan expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in parts of the state, recalling with nostalgia that during colonial period security was in top gear in the area to the extent that a woman could depart Sokoto to Kano without fear.

He assured the state government of the Sultanate Council’s support and encouragement, pointing out that “since 1914 amalgamation of the country the roles of the security operatives and traditional rulers have been clearly spelt out. We shall continue to play our statutory roles accordingly.

“Our position is to inform the security agents about happenings. They in turn will then work to contain the situation. All of us should buckle up and take measures that would ensure that this problem is tackled. This isn’t about poverty. Relatively, we are better off than many countries. All we need to do is to do what is desirable and proper,” the monarch said.

He encouraged people of the state to summon courage and strength to inform security agents of any untoward development, stressing that “it is unfortunate that those who should inform security agents about problems in their areas are scared for their lives. But now everyone should be brave and come out with information about the bandits and their activities.”

Giving kudos to the security operatives for their efforts, the Sultan pledged that similar meetings will be held regularly.

In his opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Security and Career Matters, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) said the issue of security is not government’s responsibility alone.

As he traced the history of insecurity in the state from the encroachment of bandits from Zamfara and Niger Republic, he said the situation became more disturbing when some Fulani marauders became bolder in their confrontations with farmers.

He said although truce was brokered with some of the bandits by Gov. Tambuwal’s administration, in recent times they have resurfaced in parts of Sabon Birni, Isa, Rabah, Tureta, Kebbe and Goronyo local government areas of the state, thereby raising further concerns.