Bauchi Governor Raises Alarm: Over 10,000 Armed Bandits Terrorizing Communities, Displacing Hundreds

Timescope news 

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has revealed that more than 10,000 heavily armed bandits are responsible for the relentless attacks on rural communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The Governor made this known on Thursday during a visit to displaced persons who fled their homes in Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri, and Gwana communities following recent violent raids.

Speaking to the victims currently taking shelter in a government learning facility in Kashere, Gombe State, Governor Mohammed described the situation as dire.

“Our people have been forced out of their ancestral homes by no fewer than 10,000 well-armed bandits. The situation is very bad,” he stated.

According to the Governor, the criminal network is not limited to local actors. He disclosed that the bandits are actively recruiting from within and outside the country, including former illegal miners who have turned to violence.

Governor Mohammed commended his Gombe State counterpart for providing refuge to the displaced victims and promised to collaborate with security forces to restore peace.

“We will be meeting with the President tomorrow to seek direct orders for the military and police to step in. We plan to deploy technology and all necessary resources to neutralize these threats,” he assured.

To strengthen community security, the Governor announced plans to recruit 2,000 youths into local vigilante groups, where they will be trained as forest guards to protect vulnerable areas.

He also expressed gratitude to the Kashere community for their hospitality toward the IDPs and apologized for any strain the sudden influx may have caused.

“This is the first time we are facing a challenge of this magnitude, but with collective effort, we will overcome it,” he added.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured that additional security personnel have been deployed to restore order in the affected communities.