Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pledged his administration’s commitment to the safety of residents amid rising insecurity in the state.
He said he and members of his government are willing to lay down their lives to ensure the protection of the people.
The governor made the statement during a condolence visit to communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where several vigilantes were recently killed in an ambush by armed bandits.
The state government announced the donation of about N100 million to support the families of the deceased vigilantes and other victims. Each family of the vigilante members killed in the attack will receive N5 million, while families of civilian victims are to receive N3 million. In addition, the vigilante group will get N10 million, with another N10 million earmarked for logistics support such as fuel and equipment.
The attack, which occurred in Duguri, Mansur, and the Dajin Malam forest bordering Bauchi and Plateau States, left several vigilantes dead. The incident was confirmed in a police statement issued on May 4 by the spokesperson of the state police command, Ahmed Wakil.
Governor Bala described the deceased as heroes, praising their bravery in the face of heavily armed attackers. He also disclosed plans to recruit 2,100 more members into the state vigilante corps before the end of the year, starting with an initial 300 to 500 personnel from the most affected communities. He emphasized that recruits would be trained by security agencies and operate under clear rules of engagement to prevent extrajudicial actions.
In an effort to curb further attacks, the governor urged traditional rulers to identify informants within their communities, whom he accused of aiding criminal activities. He said such individuals were more dangerous than the bandits themselves and called for collaboration with security agencies to eliminate internal sabotage.
Also speaking during the condolence visit, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolari Aliyu, represented by Muhammad Hassan, assured residents that the police were on top of the situation. He noted that the command had alerted the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja and had begun receiving reinforcements and equipment to strengthen operations in affected areas.
He added that the police, vigilantes, hunters, and other community members were working together to enhance security across the state.