By: Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto.

The attention of the Isa Local Government Council has been drawn to a recent comment by a social media user alleging that the Executive Chairman of Isa Local Government failed to act upon an alert about the movement of suspected bandits from a particular village within the area.

The statement by Isa council Chairman, Sharehu Abubakar Kamarawa said the Council wishes to categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on ground. Upon receiving the said alert, the local government authority immediately took proactive steps by mobilizing local security guards and notifying the relevant security agencies for swift action.

Security personnel were deployed to the reported location to forestall any attack. Unfortunately, subsequent intelligence revealed that the bandits had diverted through another route outside the initially reported area, leading to the unfortunate incident.

As a result of what the LGA termed as negligence of duty, the LGA called for the removal of the commander in charge of the area, and he was immediately replaced with another officer today to ensure improved coordination and accountability going forward.

It is important to emphasize that the Isa Local Government has remained fully committed and responsive in addressing security challenges across all communities. Over the past months, the Council has consistently supported security agencies with logistics, operational allowances, fuel, and other essential materials to enhance their operational capacity.

The Chairman has also prioritized the welfare of the local vigilante groups, ensuring their continuous readiness to collaborate with security formations to protect lives and property.

The Council sympathizes deeply with the families and communities affected by the latest attack. The Executive Chairman, on behalf of the Government and people of Isa Local Government, extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and assures them that the State Government and the Local Government remain 100% committed to restoring lasting peace and stability in the area.

The Chairman reiterates that security is a collective responsibility and calls on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies rather than spreading unfounded allegations that could demoralize those working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

However, the Chairman commended our amiable governor, His Excellency, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto FCNA, for his interventions and measures taken to combat banditry threats. These include the distribution of hundreds of patrol vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies, and the reinstatement of monthly operational allowances for security personnel, which had been halted by the previous administration.

His Excellency has also established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, a homegrown security outfit designed to work alongside conventional forces and facilitated the establishment of an air component for Operation Fansan Yamma as a major step in enhancing rapid aerial response to security threats in our localities.

The government has also announced plans to recruit additional personnel into the State Neighbourhood Initiative and the Sokoto Marshals, as part of efforts to strengthen community security .

The Isa Local Government Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting all security operations aimed at curbing banditry and other criminal activities to the barest minimum.