The control exercised by bandits over a large part of the Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State is an alarming phenomenon that requires urgent attention. According to the Chairman of the area, Sharifu Kamarawa, the bandits have not only taken control of entire territories but have crossed a line by posing as traditional leaders and dispensing justice between communities.
Kamarawa’s disturbing revelations to the Minister of Defence during his recent visit to the area highlight the extent of the security problem in the area. It is particularly worrying to note that some bandits have arrogated traditional powers and are seeking to assert their authority over already weakened populations.
The villages of Gebe, Kamarawa Arume, Bafarawa, and many others, located along the border with the Republic of Niger, are helpless witnesses to this bandit takeover. The widespread desertion of these localities and the total absence of the presence of the inhabitants reveals the growing threat posed by gangsterism in this region.
The devastating consequences of this situation on the local populations cannot be ignored. The inability of the inhabitants to access their farmlands due to the activities of the bandits threatens not only food security but also the local economy which is largely based on agriculture.
It is imperative that concrete and immediate measures are taken to free these communities from the grip of the bandits. The intervention of the relevant authorities and the security forces is crucial to restore peace and security in this region and allow the inhabitants to regain their autonomy and dignity.
The crisis in the Isa Local Government Area is a reflection of the security challenges facing many parts of Nigeria. It is essential that the national authorities take swift and effective measures to protect the vulnerable populations and ensure the primacy of the State throughout the territory.
In conclusion, the urgency to act on the persistent threat of bandits in the Isa region is undeniable. The liberation of communities held hostage by these criminals and the restoration of peace and security are absolute imperatives to guarantee the well-being and future of the inhabitants of the region.
By Fatshimetrie