Banditry: Sokoto ADC gov candidate demands govt action

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The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, has called for more government action to address what he described as worsening insecurity in the state, including the displacement of residents, abduction of women and girls and destruction of communities.

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Dan’iya also challenged the state government and local governments to account for more than N1.2tn in Federation Account allocations reportedly received so far, asking the authorities to explain how much had been committed to security, humanitarian assistance and the restoration of affected communities.

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In a statement issued on Saturday by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate said the demand had become necessary in view of the displacement of residents from Girkau, Romon Liman, Romon Sarki, Margai and Masu, with many affected residents fleeing to Tambuwal town.

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He also cited the reported protests in Tambuwal, including the blocking of the Tambuwal-Jega and Tambuwal-Aleiro roads, as signs of growing frustration among residents over insecurity.

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Dan’iya, who echoed concerns recently raised by Amnesty International over escalating atrocities in the state, said the reported sacking of communities, destruction of villages and abduction of women and girls required urgent government action.

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“Citizens cannot be told that there is no money to respond to their suffering while public funds continue to flow into government coffers.

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“The people have a right to know how their resources are being used and what measurable results those resources are producing,” he said.

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Dan’iya accused the APC-led state government of failing to demonstrate the urgency required to address the worsening insecurity, demanding that authorities provide citizens with clear information on measures being taken to protect communities and rescue abducted persons.

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“When entire communities are driven from their ancestral homes, when women and girls are abducted and when citizens take to the streets demanding protection, government cannot afford silence.

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“This is a humanitarian and security emergency that requires action, not political explanations,” he added.

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He also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations and ensure that those responsible for attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

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Dan’iya said the insecurity had also worsened the economic and humanitarian situation in the state by displacing farmers, disrupting agricultural activities and damaging local economies.

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He called for an emergency response framework for displaced residents, including assistance to affected families and measures to restore safe access to farms and markets.

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The ADC leader also urged the government to work with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to restore stability in affected areas.

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