Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed concern over the increasing attacks by terrorists, locally known as bandits in the state.
Mohammed called for urgent intervention from the federal government. He said terrorist gangs from other states are increasingly attacking defenseless communities in the state.
Mohammed made the request for help during a meeting with the state’s traditional rulers at Government House on Wednesday.
He told traditional rulers that terrorist gangs from neighboring states fleeing increased military operations are moving into the state.
“Due to the sustained war of the Federal Government against bandits and terrorism in other areas of the country, the state is becoming a hideout for unscrupulous elements who are beginning to disturb the peace of the citizens.
“Other states are moving forward, we have one of the largest populations in the region and that is why with the activities of the federal government in other parts of the geopolitical zones, bandits are coming to Bauchi,” he said.
“As far as internal security is concerned, I am happy to inform you that we have created a Ministry of Internal Security that will partner with the Federal Government just to drive the issue of internal security,” Mr. Mohammed added.
He told the traditional rulers that the state government is working with conventional security agencies to improve security.
The governor warned traditional rulers to always respect the sanctity of their various offices and ensure that they know who enters and leaves their domains as this will help detect criminals more easily.
Mohammed told them that the government would take decisive action or remove any traditional ruler found to be collaborating with criminals.
Bauchi blamed traditional rulers for collaborating with bandits and worsening insecurity in the region.
Mohammed then appealed to President Bola Tínubu not to overlook the State in formulating security policies despite being governed by an opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). “We cannot be left out because we are in the opposition, we have to be in the mainstream.
“Nothing works in Nigeria without Bauchi. We are controlling the balance of power, the balance of tradition and knowledge. I call on the Federal Government not to ignore us because we are in the PDP. “We are a state and we are ready to work with the Federal Government,” said the governor.