By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Sokoto State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has challenged comments attributed to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on the security situation in Sokoto State.

Sule had visited the state to commission a bridge and reportedly travelled by road from Sokoto metropolis to Silame without encountering any security incident.

Reacting to the development, Dan’iya said an uneventful journey along one route could not, on its own, be taken as a comprehensive assessment of the security situation across the state.

He said the experiences of residents in some rural communities should also be considered in assessing the security situation.

Dan’iya referred to a reported attack in Kebbe Local Government Area on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in which the Sokoto State Police Command reportedly said five people were killed and three others injured in attacks on Girkau and neighbouring communities.

He said such incidents highlighted the need for continued efforts by security agencies to protect residents and maintain peace across the state.

The ADC candidate also referred to reports of security challenges in parts of Sokoto, including Rabah and Sabon Birni, saying such developments could affect farming, movement and other economic activities in affected communities.

He urged the Sokoto State Government to sustain its efforts to improve security and work closely with relevant federal security agencies.

While acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of security personnel, Dan’iya called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination and adequate logistical support for security operations.

He also urged the government to maintain regular engagement with communities affected by security challenges and to provide support for residents whose livelihoods had been disrupted.

Dan’iya called for greater cooperation between the Federal Government and Sokoto State Government in addressing security challenges, stressing that the issue should not be reduced to partisan politics.

He said the effectiveness of security measures should ultimately be assessed by the ability of residents to live peacefully, access their farmlands and carry out legitimate economic activities.

The ADC candidate reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the protection of lives and property if elected governor in 2027.

He said an ADC administration would pursue a community-focused security strategy, strengthen engagement with local communities and deepen cooperation with federal security agencies.

According to him, the proposed approach would also seek to support the return of displaced residents and create a safer environment for farming and other economic activities across Sokoto State.

Dan’iya maintained that a security assessment should take into account conditions across different communities and not be based solely on the experience of travelling along one particular route.