Rising unrest in Nigeria prompted my aide's switch, says Senator Lamido

Sokoto East Senatorial District's representative, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, has attributed his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the rampant banditry plaguing his constituency, rather than a desire for political advancement.

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This shift in allegiance, according to the senator, remains unwavering despite the ongoing internal legal disputes within the ADC, as it reflects the collective desire of his constituents who are struggling to cope with escalating insecurity.

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Senator Lamido disclosed that his decision was made following thorough consultations with the residents of Sokoto East, many of whom have fallen victim to relentless attacks by armed bandits.

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The people of the district, the senator noted, are increasingly disillusioned with what they perceive as the failure of state and federal authorities to effectively address the deepening security crisis.

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Senator Lamido emphasized that his decision to join the ADC was not a personal choice, but rather one made by his constituents who are being killed, kidnapped, and displaced by bandits on a daily basis, with little to no intervention from the authorities.

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He stated that his constituents believe the ADC has the capacity to address their problems, and that his decision to join the party is not driven by a desire for political gain.

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Senator Lamido also disputed recent claims made by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who reportedly stated that the government's efforts to curb banditry in the eastern part of the state were yielding positive results.

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The senator acknowledged the commitment of the state government and security agencies to combating insecurity but strongly disagreed with the governor's assessment, insisting that the security situation in Sokoto East remains extremely fragile.

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According to Senator Lamido, several communities across the district continue to face repeated attacks from armed bandits, resulting in killings, kidnappings, and the displacement of hundreds of residents.

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The persistent violence has severely disrupted economic activities, forcing many residents to abandon their farms and businesses while living in constant fear, the senator revealed.

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Movement within the district has become dangerously restricted, with many residents unable to travel to the Sokoto metropolis without armed escorts, Senator Lamido noted.

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In some cases, even with escorts, people can only travel on specific days of the week due to the volatile security situation, the senator added.

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Describing the situation as alarming, Senator Lamido called on both the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace in the region.

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The senator urged authorities to strengthen security operations through increased deployment of personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and the provision of adequate logistics to security agencies operating in affected areas.

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Senator Lamido also emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance to support displaced families, alongside long-term policies aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education.

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Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Sokoto East, Senator Lamido maintained that the protection of lives and property must remain the top priority of government at all levels.

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The senator called on all stakeholders to work collectively to bring an end to the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace and stability across the troubled communities, Senator Ibrahim Lamido said.