Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has vowed to personally confront the wave of insecurity troubling parts of the state, declaring his readiness to step beyond the confines of office and join the battle against banditry if necessary.
The governor made the bold declaration on Thursday during a condolence visit to Mansur village in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where a recent bandit attack claimed 21 lives.
“If I must take off this ‘Babbanriga’ and join you in the field, I will do it, In Sha Allah,” Governor Mohammed said emotionally while addressing bereaved families.
He confirmed that the victims included 13 local vigilantes and 8 civilians who lost their lives during the deadly assault which occurred two weeks ago.
Despite the casualties, Mohammed commended the bravery of local vigilantes and security forces who, he said, repelled the assailants and neutralised over 60 bandits in a fierce exchange.
“Despite their superior firepower, our brave vigilantes and security agents stood their ground. This shows the courage of our people,” the governor said.
Describing the incident as a “grave security challenge,” the governor disclosed that he is in active collaboration with the federal government, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, to strengthen security measures across Bauchi State.
As part of ongoing efforts to secure affected communities, Mohammed announced plans to recruit over 2,100 new vigilante personnel across the state before the end of the year.
The recruitment will begin with between 300 and 500 individuals from the most vulnerable areas.
He assured that the recruits would be placed on a structured minimum wage system and undergo training under formal security agencies to promote professionalism.
The governor also charged traditional rulers with the task of identifying and exposing informants allegedly working with criminal elements in their communities, stressing the importance of grassroots cooperation in tackling insecurity.
“We are here to commiserate with the communities of Alkaleri, Gwana, Duguri, Yelwan Duguri, and parts of Bauchi Local Government. The federal government is aware, and support is on the way,” he assured residents.
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