Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state says, security matters will remain an utmost importance to government and leading priority in the task of governance.
Consequently, the administration will maintain absolute support to all security agencies through material and necessary financial provision for the effective discharge of their duties towards checking the activities of bandits.
The Governor gave this assurance while addressing hundreds of victims of banditry at Magaba Village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Zuru Emirate this Saturday.
He expressed condolence to the families of those who lost their lives during the armed banditry attack last Thursday which lead to the death of civilians and security personnel stationed in the area.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu pledged to do everything possible to strengthen security in the emirate to enable farmers and businessmen continue with their normal activities.
The governor was utterly concerned about the high level of insecurity in the area, recalling that last month he visited Munhaye Village which experienced the same problem that led to loss of lives and property of the people.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu admonished all ethnic groups, vigilante members and self volunteer groups, Yan-Sa-Kai to work in synergy with constituted security agencies in carrying out their operations to avoid unnecessary blame or to take the law into their hands or be seen to be vindictive against particular tribe.
The governor listened to an apology tendered to the state government by leaders of Yan-sa-kai, who admitted that some of their members have been operating outside the confines of the law, and vowed to expose them.
They pledged loyalty to the state government assuring that from now, all members of volunteer groups would desist from engaging in extra –judicial killings.
In response, the governor whole-heartedly accepted their apology and pledged to provide necessary logistics as well as other requirement to them to work within the ambit of the law.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended all traditional rulers, security agencies, vigilante members and self volunteer groups for complementing the security of their areas and sympathized with them on the loss of lives, livestock and other valuables as a result of bandits attack.
In separate remarks Senator Bala Ibn Na-Allah, General Muhammadu Magoro, Hon. Kabiru Tukura of the House of Representatives and Hon. Haliru Wasagu, commended Governor Bagudu for his sympathy visit to the people of the area, as well as support provided to them.
They affirmed their support to strengthening security measures towards restoring peace and tranquility to the area
Briefing the governor about the attack, Liman Abdullahi Baba, Rev. Emmanuel D. Govo, Bala N. Bedi, Aminu Daudu Dubu, Yusuf Bedi, Dan Damana, San Ayu, Adamu Magaji, Muhammad Gomowa, Umar Maleku, Umar Idris, Hakimi Sibo and Sani Usuru told him that on Thursday, armed bandits invaded the village and took away foodstuffs, livestock, handsets as well as collected money from individuals.
They requested for reinforcement of security operatives to the area, saying that the attackers came with more than 100 motorcycles bearing three passengers each.
On arrival, the bandits started firing and went from house to house identifying shop owners or those with money, during which six persons were killed at Dulombu, five persons at Magaba and three persons at Matseru village.
The Governor also visited Ribah General Hospital to sympathize with injured victims during attack some of whom have been referred to Birnin Kebbi for further treatment.
