Bauchi gov seeks federal reinforcement as bandits kill four in Alkaleri attacks
Governor Warns of Security Challenges in Bauchi State
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed concerns over the increasing demands placed on the state’s security agencies by organized banditry and criminal groups. During an on-site assessment of Gwana and Duguri communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area on Tuesday, he urged the federal government to provide urgent support, including additional troops and equipment, to address ongoing violence and kidnappings.
This warning follows a deadly attack on Sunday where armed assailants killed four individuals, including two soldiers, a vigilante member, and a local resident. Several others sustained injuries, and some victims were abducted during the incident. Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 armed attackers, traveling in pairs on motorcycles, descended on the communities in the early hours of the morning while residents slept.
Governor Mohammed commended local vigilante groups for their efforts in preventing the attackers from advancing into nearby settlements. He promised that the state government would cover medical expenses for those injured, reaffirming his commitment to restoring safety and normalcy in affected areas.
Furthermore, Governor Mohammed informed that he had briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the situation, with the President pledging support to enhance Bauchi State’s security measures against crime.
While acknowledging that banditry has decreased in other regions of the state, including Toro, Ningi, Ganjuwa, and Jama’are, the governor raised concerns about the resurgence of violence in Duguri.
State Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu also addressed the media, stating that additional personnel would be deployed to troubled areas. He encouraged local vigilante groups to cooperate closely with police and security agencies to improve operations.
Emir of Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, praised the government for its prompt assistance to victims. He emphasized the need for a sustained security presence and greater government intervention to prevent further incidents.
During the visit, the Village Head of Kafin Duguri reported that the attackers, believed to have originated from Dajin Madam, invaded the community in significant numbers, resulting in the deaths of four men. He called for improved security to avert future attacks.
In a related incident earlier this year, residents of Gwana District fled their homes following a violent assault by bandits that claimed the lives of two soldiers and one vigilante operative. The attack, which occurred around 4:32 p.m. on February 22, targeted both the community and a Joint Task Force base. The Bauchi Police Command confirmed that members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit engaged the assailants, neutralizing seven suspected bandits, although three residents were reportedly abducted during the conflict.
As a result of these incidents, frightened families have abandoned their homes, farms, and businesses, seeking safety in neighboring states. A photograph obtained by DAILY POST showed villagers anxiously loading their belongings onto vehicles and motorcycles, preparing to leave the area. Recent attacks in Gwana District also targeted the villages of Garin Kafi, Rimi, Gobir, and Kargo over the weekend.
