The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, has called on the Federal and state governments to take urgent measures to end the rising attacks, killings and abductions in Rabah Local Government Area.
Dan’iya made the call in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, following reports of fresh attacks in parts of the local government.
According to him, the reported killing of a mother and her son, as well as 10 other residents and the abduction of about 40 people in an attack on Sunday, showed the worsening security situation in the area.
He also expressed concern over a separate attack on Tofa village, where seven people were reportedly killed and 12 others abducted.
Dan’iya questioned the government’s response to the recurring attacks, asking, “How many more people must be killed or abducted before the APC governments admit that Sokoto has a serious security emergency?”
He said residents in rural communities were increasingly exposed to attacks despite repeated assurances from the authorities.
Rabah LGA has experienced several attacks in recent months, with residents reportedly facing killings, kidnappings and livestock theft.
Dan’iya urged the government to ensure that recently announced security measures translate into improved protection for residents.
He said, “The people of Rabah do not need another press statement. They need security personnel, intelligence, rapid response and the confidence to sleep in their homes without fearing that armed men will arrive in the night.”
The ADC candidate also called for better coordination among government institutions and security agencies, saying the scale of insecurity required sustained and intelligence-driven operations.
He appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle banditry across the North-West and prevent further displacement of communities.
According to him, demanding accountability from government over insecurity should not be regarded as political opposition.
He stated, “When citizens are being killed and abducted, demanding accountability is not politicising insecurity. When communities are attacked repeatedly, asking government to protect them is not politics.”
Dan’iya called on the authorities and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, rescue those abducted, arrest the perpetrators and maintain a sustained security presence in vulnerable communities.
He condoled with the families of victims and expressed hope for the safe return of those abducted.
The ADC candidate also commended security personnel working to combat banditry in the state, promising that, if elected in 2027, his administration would make the protection of lives and property a priority.
He concluded, “Sokoto must not become a place where people are killed today, mourned tomorrow and forgotten the day after. Every life lost is a failure that government must answer for.”
