Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the renewed wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across parts of Sokoto State.

Tambuwal, in a statement released by his Media Office, expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks in Kebbe, Shagari and Sabon Birni local government areas, which have claimed lives, led to kidnappings, cattle rustling and the displacement of residents.

He particularly mourned the death of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a gun battle with armed bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area.

Describing the officer’s death as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” the senator said the loss underscored the enormous sacrifices security personnel make daily in the fight against insecurity.

“The death of ASP Hussaini Balarabe in the line of duty is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our security personnel make every day to protect our people. We mourn his death and commend his courage and dedication to duty,” Tambuwal said.

He also sympathised with residents of Shagari Local Government Area over renewed attacks by armed groups, which have reportedly resulted in abductions, livestock rustling and heightened fear among rural communities.

According to him, affected communities should not be left to confront criminal elements without adequate government support.

“Our people in Shagari and other affected communities should not be left to face these criminal elements alone. They deserve adequate protection, and we must do everything possible to restore their confidence and enable them to return to their communities, farms and livelihoods without fear,” he stated.

Tambuwal further called on the Federal Government, the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and end the persistent violence.

He warned that the recurring violence posed not only a threat to lives and property but also to agriculture, commerce and the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.

The former governor commended the resilience and commitment of security personnel confronting armed groups despite the dangers involved, while urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities.

“We must strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response mechanisms. Security operations must be sustained, coordinated and adequately resourced until these communities are safe and the criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” he said.

Tambuwal also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still being held by kidnappers and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

“I urge our security agencies not to relent until every person held in captivity is rescued. Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified, arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” he added.

The senator appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that tackling insecurity requires collective action by government, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.

“Security is a collective responsibility. Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens must work together and share credible information to defeat the forces of criminality threatening our communities,” he said.