Prioritize security over rice, other relief materials, NDC guber candidate tells Sokoto’s Gov. Aliyu
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Worried by the continued incidences of killings across Sokoto state lately, the governorship candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Shamsudden Haido, has charged governor Ahmed Aliyu to prioritise security of the citizenry above donation of bags of rice and other relief materials to victims of increasing insecurity.
Dr. Shamsudden, who insisted that Sokoto people will be more pleased with concrete evidence of efforts aimed at protecting their lives, said locals have been forced out of their homes into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
A statement issued by the media office of Dr Shamsudden said, Dr. Haido “has called on the Sokoto State Government to prioritize security over relief donations, insisting that residents of the state need protection from persistent bandit attacks more than food handouts”.
Reacting after Sokoto state deputy governor, Idris Gobir visited displaced persons following bandits’ attacks on Dangulbi village and surrounding communities in Tureta Local Government Area, the NDC candidate said the threat to lives, and properties across the state has reached an alarming stage.
The “NDC candidate expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in several parts of Sokoto State, particularly in rural communities where residents continue to face threats to their lives, livelihoods, and properties.
“While humanitarian assistance such as rice and cash donations may provide temporary relief to victims, the long-term solution lies in restoring security and ensuring that citizens can return safely to their communities and resume their normal lives.
“The people of Sokoto need security more than they need money and bags of rice. What our people are asking for is protection. They want to sleep with their eyes closed, cultivate their farms without fear, and move freely within their communities,” he said
Reflecting on the conditions of IDPs, Dr Shamsudden said they are facing serious hardship having lost their homes, farmlands, livestock, and other means of livelihood because of repeated attacks.
While condoling with all those affected by insecurity across the state, Shamsudden appealed for increased investment in security infrastructure, strengthening collaboration with both security agencies, community leaders as well as local vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities.
