Governor Bala Mohammed has raised concerns over escalating insecurity in parts of Bauchi State, warning that armed bandits are taking control of ungoverned areas in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Friday after meeting with Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the governor said the situation around the Daji Dam axis of Alkaleri has deteriorated, with criminal elements becoming increasingly emboldened.
Mohammed disclosed that he sought urgent federal intervention to prevent the crisis from degenerating into a humanitarian emergency, noting that many residents have already fled their homes to neighbouring states and local governments out of fear.
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“I came on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to brief Mr President on the security challenges in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where bandits have taken over several ungoverned spaces, particularly around Daji Dam,” he said.
The governor acknowledged sporadic clashes between security operatives and the bandits but admitted that the scale of the attacks appears to be stretching available resources. According to him, the unfolding situation risks escalating further if not decisively addressed.
He revealed that he had earlier visited the affected communities alongside heads of security agencies in the state to assess the situation before presenting a detailed report to the President and requesting special intervention.
Describing the President’s response as “very positive,” Mohammed said directives had already been issued and security forces were taking action, similar to ongoing operations in parts of Kwara and Niger states.
The governor expressed concern that the bandits may be targeting the area due to its growing economic prospects, including traces of oil and gas deposits and ongoing mining activities.
“We cannot allow insecurity to undermine our economic potential. Bauchi has enjoyed relative peace in the last 10 years, and we must act swiftly to protect lives, investments and livelihoods,” he stated.
Mohammed also called for greater collaboration among governors of neighbouring states bordering the affected forest belt, including Taraba, Plateau and Gombe, proposing a joint security summit with the support of federal security agencies to tackle the menace comprehensively.
On the broader issue of policing, the governor reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised security architecture would ease the burden on the federal government and enhance responsiveness at the sub-national level.
“Security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of the government. Though state policing may be expensive, it is necessary,” he said, adding that improved security had previously boosted economic activities and raised the state’s GDP.
Addressing speculation about possible political realignments, Mohammed dismissed suggestions of defection, stressing that his visit to the President was purely for governance and partnership.
“I am a member of the PDP. I did not come here for politics or defection. I came for governance and to seek support for my people. This is an unfolding security situation that requires cooperation, not political grandstanding,” he said.
The governor maintained that despite internal challenges, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable national platform, while reiterating his commitment to strengthening governance and security in Bauchi State.
