- Says terrorists fleeing military operations in neighbouring States are converging and attacking communities in Bauchi
Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday expressed concern over the increasing attacks of terrorists, locally referred to as bandits in the State, blaming “blaming traditional rulers for collaborating with them.
Mohammed therefore called for urgent intervention of the the federal government, stating that the terrorists’ gangs from other States are increasingly converging and attacking defenceless communities in the State.
Governor Mohammed, who called for assistance during a meeting with traditional rulers in the State at Government House on Wednesday, told the traditional rulers that terror gangs from neighbouring States fleeing increased military operations are relocating to the State.
“Because of the Federal Government’s sustained war against bandits and terrorism in other zones of the country, the State is becoming a hiding place for the unscrupulous elements who are beginning to disturb the peace of the citizens.
“Other States are moving ahead. We have one of the largest populations in the region and so with the activities of the Federal Government in other parts of the geopolitical zones, the bandits are coming to Bauchi.
“With regards to internal security, I am glad to inform you that we have established a Ministry of Internal Security that will partner with the Federal Government just to drive the issue of providing internal security,” Mohammed added.
He told the traditional rulers that the State government is working with conventional security agencies to improve security.
The Governor warned the traditional rulers to always respect the sanctity of their various offices and make sure they know who comes in and goes out of their domains as this will help spot criminals more easily.
Mohammed told them that the government would deal decisively or remove any traditional ruler that was found to be collaborating with criminals, blaming such activities for worsening the insecurity of the region.
He then appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tínubu not to overlook the State when making security policies despite being governed by an opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him: “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 am calling on the Federal Government not to ignore us because we are in PDP. We are a state and we are ready to work with the Federal Government.”