By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO: Governor Ahmed Aliyu has called on parents, traditional leaders and community stakeholders to strengthen cooperation with security agencies in tackling banditry and other criminal activities, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action.

The governor made the appeal during a condolence visit to families of victims killed in recent bandit attacks in communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi Adare, the governor described parents as critical agents in shaping the values and conduct of young people, urging them to ensure that their children are guided towards responsible behaviour.

He warned that individuals who provide information to criminal groups pose a serious threat to security efforts, noting that informants often play a key role in enabling attacks on communities.

“We have to rise to the task of changing the equation against banditry and other forms of crime in the state. With the support and cooperation of our people, we shall overcome these challenges,” he said.

Aliyu recalled that Sokoto had long enjoyed a reputation for peace, stability and communal harmony before the emergence of insecurity that has affected several communities across the state.

“We were all living peacefully and carrying out our daily activities until this menace disrupted the lives of many innocent citizens,” he added.

As part of efforts to support the affected families, the state government announced a donation of N1 million and 10 bags of rice to each of the four bereaved families.

Presenting the assistance, Adare said the gesture was intended to provide relief and demonstrate government’s solidarity with the families during their period of grief.

“No amount of support can replace the lives that were lost. This intervention is meant to ease the burden on the families and reassure them that the government shares in their pain,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, movements and unfamiliar persons in their communities to security agencies.

“This is the only way we can collectively reduce and eventually curb the trend. Security is a shared responsibility, and everyone must contribute to the protection of lives, property and livelihoods,” he stated.

He also called on citizens to remain prayerful and resilient, expressing confidence that those responsible for the attacks would ultimately face justice.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and comforts their families. Those behind these attacks will not escape divine justice,” he said.

Adare disclosed that the Sokoto State Government was intensifying efforts to strengthen security across vulnerable communities through sustained support for security agencies and the implementation of strategic measures aimed at preventing future attacks.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

The presentation of the relief materials was witnessed by the Chairman of Shagari Local Government, Barrister Maidawa; the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Jabbi Shagari; representatives of the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), traditional rulers and other community leaders.

The community leaders commended Governor Aliyu for his continued concern for residents of Shagari Local Government and pledged their support for ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the area.