Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sought urgent presidential intervention over worsening insecurity in Alkaleri Local Government Area, warning that the situation could spiral into a humanitarian crisis if not swiftly contained.
Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday , the governor said bandits have become increasingly emboldened, occupying ungoverned forest areas and launching sporadic attacks on communities.
He noted that the criminals are advancing from forest corridors and engaging security agencies in clashes that have left residents in fear.
According to him, the scale of the attacks has overwhelmed local security formations, forcing many inhabitants to flee to neighbouring states and local governments, especially during the ongoing fasting period.
The governor said he personally visited the affected areas alongside heads of security agencies to assess the situation before submitting a detailed report to the President and requesting special federal intervention.
Describing the President’s response as “very positive,” the governor disclosed that directives had already been issued to security chiefs to strengthen operations in the troubled areas.
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He added that ongoing security efforts in states such as Kwara and Niger, which face similar forest-related banditry, could serve as a model for coordinated action.
He also revealed plans to convene a joint security summit with governors of neighbouring states bordering the affected forest belts, including Taraba, Plateau and Gombe, to develop a unified strategy with the support of federal security agencies.
The governor expressed concern that the resurgence of violence threatens over a decade of relative peace in Bauchi State, warning that it could undermine growing investor confidence.
He noted that the state has recently attracted interest in oil and gas exploration as well as mining activities, developments he said must not be derailed by insecurity.
On the debate over state police, the governor reiterated his longstanding support, arguing that decentralised policing would ease the burden on the federal government and enhance responsiveness at the state level, despite the financial implications.
Addressing speculations about a possible defection, the governor dismissed claims that his visit to the President was not politically motivated.
He reaffirmed his membership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, stressing that his visit was solely for governance and partnership in the interest of his state.
He maintained that collaboration between state governments and the federal administration remains essential in tackling security challenges and safeguarding lives, property and economic growth.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
