Following the recent deadly attacks by armed bandits in the Southern part of Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has expressed his intention to mobilise substantial government funds to save the lives and economic fortunes threatened by the activities of armed bandits.

The governor also disclosed that he has concluded necessary contacts to visit President Bola Tinubu to present some critical suggestions and requests on the possible ways to minimise or eradicate the menace in Kebbi State.

Idris made the statement when he received the emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, as head of a high-powered delegation from the four local councils of the emirate.

The delegation presented a “save our soul” request, following a deadly armed banditry attack in Tadurga Town of Zuru Local Council. He expressed his strong belief that ensuring relative peace and protection of life and property remain a priority for any responsible government.

He maintained that genuine sacrifice and judicious utilisation of resources for security are worth doing. “I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the lives of the people, even if it means emptying the state treasury,” Idris said.

He attributed the persistent attacks in the state to inadequate manpower, insufficient sophisticated weapons, a limited number of special military units and the complicated nature of Kebbi State’s geographical terrain, disclosing that “these are parts of the requests to be presented to the President for consideration.”

According to him, the state shares boundaries with the neighbouring republics of Niger and Benin and the neighbouring states of Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger, comparatively believed to be most affected.

The Emir of Zuru earlier told the governor that dozens of lives and valuable properties, yet to be ascertained, have been lost to the weekend banditry attacks in Tadurga.

The royal father said that although the purpose of the visit included appreciating the governor for the numerous developmental projects being executed in the emirate, he warned that at the rate the banditry attacks are going unless urgent measures are taken, the major towns of the emirate will soon witness an uncontrollable congestion of displaced people.

Since he assumed office in 2023, he said, the governor was confronted with different security challenges, including the Lakurawa bandits; but with wisdom, he demonstrated commitment and determination, providing more than 50 Hillux vehicles and 2,000 motorcycles for the military, Department of State Sevices (DSS), police, civil defence and vigilante with the support of the Defence Headquarters. With these, he was able to control the situation.