Aliyu donates N66m, rice to families of 33 killed in bandit attack

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has donated N2 million and five bags of rice each to the families of 33 people killed in a recent bandit attack in Sokoto State.

Director General of Media and Publicity to the government, Abubakar Bawa, said in a statement yesterday that the governor made the donation during a visit to Silame Local Council, where a total of N66 million and 165 bags of rice were distributed to the affected families.

Speaking during the visit, Aliyu cautioned critics and public affairs commentators against politicising security matters, warning that such actions are detrimental to the peace and stability of the state. He issued the warning in Silame while concluding the first round of condolence visits to communities affected by the recent attacks.

“Security issues are very sensitive and fragile, and therefore must be handled with utmost care,” he stated. The governor added that the state government would no longer tolerate a situation where individuals hide under the guise of criticism or public commentary to undermine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace. He reaffirmed that both the government and security agencies are working tirelessly to strengthen security, noting that the efforts are gradually yielding positive results.

Aliyu also expressed concern over the activities of some rural residents who serve as informants to bandits, thereby fuelling insecurity in their communities. He revealed that a bill would soon be presented before the State Assembly to prescribe stiff penalties for anyone found guilty of aiding banditry.

The governor called on citizens to support the government’s security initiatives by providing credible information to law enforcement agencies, stressing that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of everyone.

He further disclosed that his administration has provided necessary logistics and support to security agencies to enhance their operations, assuring that the government would not relent in sustaining such support.