Following a clash between bandits and vigilantes, which left 21 people death in Rabah local government area of Sokoto state, governor Aminu Tambuwal, has reiterated the need to restructure and reposition the groups in order to strengthen them to assist the subsisting federal government security outfits in the state.
The governor disclosed the proposed policy thrust l at Gandi town on Monday.
According to Tambuwal, the development became necessary in view of security breaches experienced in the eastern part of the state.
“We’re going to restructure and reposition the vigilante groups in Sokoto state. We are going to make sure that we provide them with motorcycles and communications gadgets so that they can be communicating with security agencies effectively; and for them to provide basic information and guide to the security agencies,” he said.
The governor also said that government would provide allowances to members of the vigilante “for the sacrifices they are making towards providing security to their localities, the state and the country.
“I must commend our security agencies for working so hard. They have been doing their best at the level of the Security Council of the state in which the Sultan of Sokoto is a member,” he explained
Tambuwal emphasized that the Council has been coordinating security activities and established peace in the northern axis, including Silame, Binji and Tangaza local government areas.
He further said that reliable information by the chairman of Rabah local government council was that among the 21 victims of the recent onslaught, were some members of the vigilantes recognized by the security agencies in the state.
The governor pledged that the state government would advance a token of gifts and cash assistance to the families of the victims “to ameliorate their sufferings.”
He also pledged that his administration would look into the possibility of working on the dilapidated Lambar Rabah-Bakura (Zamfara state), hitherto thought to be a federal road, in order to boost easy movement of goods and people.
“I have also observed that the electricity connection between Gandi and Rabah has been affected. I have directed the local government Chairman to conduct an assessment and submit to the state government. Without delay the state government will put it in order soonest,” the Governor added.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives and the overall security of the country.
