Dan'iya pushes for major safety reforms following violent incident

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By Musa Ubandawaki

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SOKOTO — Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has called for an urgent overhaul of the state’s security architecture following renewed bandit attacks on Dan Gulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area.

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Dan’iya, a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, described the recurring violence as a national tragedy requiring immediate and decisive action.

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His reaction followed reports of a fresh attack on the community on Tuesday, barely 48 hours after an earlier assault that reportedly claimed the lives of 17 residents and visitors who had returned for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

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According to residents, armed bandits stormed the village on motorcycles, shooting sporadically and forcing many villagers to flee.

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Community sources alleged that more than 20 people may have been killed in the latest attack, while several houses were burnt and many residents remain unaccounted for.

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In a statement issued by his Press Secretary and Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya expressed concern over the repeated attacks on the same community within a short period.

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“The continued killing of innocent citizens in Dan Gulbi is heartbreaking and unacceptable. No society can make meaningful progress when its people live in constant fear of attacks, displacement and loss,” he said.

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He commiserated with the bereaved families, the people of Tureta Local Government Area and the government of Sokoto State over the incident.

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Dan’iya argued that the latest attack had intensified public concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures, urging authorities to adopt more proactive strategies to address the root causes of insecurity.

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According to him, the repeated targeting of rural communities highlights the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.

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“The people deserve more than promises. They deserve visible action, reassurance and a clear demonstration that every life matters,” he said.

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He noted that persistent attacks across parts of Sokoto State had heightened fear among residents, disrupted economic activities and worsened humanitarian challenges in affected communities.

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The ADC candidate called on security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups, track down those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are brought to justice.

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He also urged the Federal and Sokoto State governments to provide additional support and resources to security personnel combating banditry and related crimes in the North-West.

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Dan’iya further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.

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According to him, community participation remains vital in efforts to curb banditry and restore peace.

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He stressed that security must remain a top priority, warning that economic growth and sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of persistent violence and fear.

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“As a people, we must unite against the forces of violence and criminality. Our collective goal should be the protection of lives, the restoration of peace and the rebuilding of public confidence in the ability of institutions to guarantee safety and justice,” he said.

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Dan’iya reaffirmed his commitment to advocating policies that prioritise security, public welfare and rural development, describing the safety of citizens as the foundation of meaningful governance and sustainable progress.

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