From Victor Osula, Abuja
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has called on the federal government for urgent intervention to contain escalating bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area, warning that the situation could rapidly develop into a humanitarian crisis.
The governor made the appeal following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
He explained that armed bandits have taken control of ungoverned forest areas and are launching sporadic attacks on communities, leaving residents in fear.
Governor Mohammed stated that the criminals are advancing from forest corridors and engaging local security operatives in clashes, overwhelming the capacity of local security formations.
Many inhabitants have fled to neighbouring states and local governments, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period.
The governor disclosed that he personally visited the affected communities alongside heads of security agencies to assess the situation before submitting a detailed report to the President and formally requesting special federal intervention.
Describing President Tinubu’s response as “very positive,” Governor Mohammed revealed that directives had already been issued to security chiefs to strengthen operations in the troubled areas.
He highlighted that security efforts in states such as Kwara and Niger, which also face forest-related banditry, could serve as models for a coordinated federal-state approach in Bauchi.
To bolster security measures, the governor announced plans to convene a joint summit with governors of neighbouring states bordering the affected forest belts, including Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe, to develop a unified strategy with federal support.
Governor Mohammed expressed concern that the resurgence of violence threatens over a decade of relative peace in Bauchi State, stressing that sustained insecurity could undermine growing investor confidence.
He noted that the state has recently attracted interest in oil and gas exploration as well as mining activities, emphasizing that ongoing banditry must not derail these investments.
On the debate over state policing, the governor reiterated his longstanding support, arguing that decentralised policing would ease the burden on the federal government and enhance responsiveness at the state level despite the financial implications.
Addressing speculations about a possible political defection, the governor dismissed claims that his visit to the President had political motives. He reaffirmed his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the engagement was solely for governance and security collaboration.
Governor Mohammed stressed the importance of collaboration between state governments and the federal administration in tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, and sustaining economic growth.
He revealed that federal security chiefs have already been directed to intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence operations in the affected areas to neutralize the threat posed by armed bandits.
The governor expressed optimism that coordinated action would restore peace and stability in Alkaleri, reassure displaced residents, and preserve the socio-economic progress of Bauchi State.
President Tinubu, according to the governor, expressed commitment to supporting Bauchi in its security challenges and assured that federal resources would be deployed promptly to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of affected communities.
