The Sokoto State Government has disbursed the sum of 293 million naira and 1,540 bags of rice, millet, maize, and guinea corn to victims of bandit attacks and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Isa and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of the State.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced this during a condolence visit to the affected communities.
At Isa Local Government Area, the Governor presented two million naira and five bags of rice each to the 65 families of those killed, while 250,000 naira and three bags of rice each were given to five persons who sustained injuries during the attacks. Additionally, 20 million naira and 1,200 bags of assorted food items were donated to IDPs in the area.
In total, 151.25 million naira and 1,240 bags of food items were distributed in Isa LGA.
Similarly, in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Governor Aliyu donated two million naira and five bags of rice each to the 61 families of those killed, alongside 20 million naira to IDPs and 1,200 bags of food items.
Overall, the sum of 122 million naira and 1,300 bags of food items were distributed in Sabon Birni LGA.
Speaking during the exercise, Governor Aliyu revealed that the Executive will soon forward a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to prescribe stiff punishments for informants aiding bandits.
He stressed that the “informants’ syndrome” fuels kidnappings and insecurity in the State, warning those involved to desist before the law catches up with them.
“I want to state here that informants will no longer have a place in our dear State. I therefore call on well-meaning citizens, especially in rural areas, to assist us with relevant information on any suspicious movements or strange faces in your communities,” the Governor said.
Governor Aliyu also reaffirmed his administration’s support to security agencies, noting that since assumption of office, his government has distributed over 180 patrol vehicles,
supported the operationalization of the Nigerian Air Force Base in the State,
restored and increased monthly allowances for security personnel deployed to volatile areas, and facilitated the construction of a military base in Illela Local Government Area.
He called on the people of Sokoto State to rally round the government by intensifying prayers for God’s intervention in the fight against insecurity.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Isa and Sabon Birni LGAs, Hon. Sharifu Abubakar Kamarawa and Hon. Ayuba Hashimu, commended the Governor for his care, concern, and commitment to transforming the affected areas, while praying for God’s continued guidance for his administration.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
