Bandits emboldened, taking over ungoverned spaces – Bala Mohammed laments

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has lamented that bandits operating in some parts of the state are emboldened and have taken over some ungoverned spaces.

The governor also said the state government and security agencies appear overwhelmed—a situation likely to create a humanitarian crisis as inhabitants flee their communities to seek shelter elsewhere.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu following Juma’at prayers at the State House Mosque on Friday, the Bauchi governor said he presented the worsening security situation to the President.

He declared that the state’s security crisis has spiralled into a “big humanitarian crisis,” with residents fleeing en masse amid rampant banditry and fear.

Mohammed painted a dire picture of overwhelmed forces and “ungoverned spaces” in forests bordering Taraba, Gombe, and Plateau states.

On the agenda for the visit, he said: “I came here on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State to see His Excellency, Mr. President, pertaining to what I know has already been highlighted in the Nigerian media space.

“The situation of insecurity in my local government of Alkaleri in Bauchi State—where some bandits have become so emboldened and have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there, coming out from the Dajin Dam—has led to sporadic clashes and skirmishes with the security agencies.

“But it would appear that the security agencies and all of us are overwhelmed, and the situation is escalating to a level where it will become a big humanitarian crisis.

“Because out of fear and paranoia, most of the inhabitants are running to other states and other local governments at this time of fasting. That’s why I visited there with the heads of security agencies, saw the situation, and brought a report to Mr. President. We sought special presidential intervention, and we know him to be somebody who is very serious about security.”

He said the President “has already given directives,” adding that he was heading to top security officers, like the National Security Adviser, for more action.”Without any prior appointment, I only prayed with him (the President), and he saw me immediately. Of course, I’m even proceeding to other very senior security officers under the NSA and the rest, who will do the needful

He pushed for a governors’ summit with contiguous states “to rest this situation once and for all,” slamming the timing as sabotage of Bauchi’s economic boom in oil, gas, and mining.

Asked about the President’s response to his request, he said: “Very positive. He has already given directives, and they are doing a lot of activities in Kwara and Niger—something akin to what we have: ungoverned spaces, forests, banditry, and what have you.

“But certainly, for ours, we are trying to seek an opportunity for the governors contiguous to that forest—that is, those of Taraba, Plateau, Gombe, and myself—to have a summit, with the aid of the security agencies, to resolve this situation once and for all.”

He added: “Bauchi has enjoyed a lot of peace for the last 10 years, and this is coming at a time when there is a lot of interest in our investments. We cannot afford this bad development.”

Mohammed doubled down on his long-held push for state police, calling it essential despite costs.

We are very ready, and we have always supported state police because it will reduce the burden on the federal government and make us more responsive. Security—the safety of life and property—is the main thing that we can provide.”

Brushing off speculation about defecting from the PDP amid party woes, the governor fiercely defended his loyalty and the “umbrella” party’s resilience.

He said, “No, you see, it is not always right for people to insinuate and try to get answers where there are no questions. I have always said that I am a PDP man. I know the federal government and the importance of partnership. This is a time for governance.

“Of course, any governor can leave—because if it is Ahmadu Fintiri’s decision to leave, it may not be my decision. I’m not coming here for defection; I’m coming here for governance, for partnership. I’m coming to a father of the nation to give us support, and he has answered positively. That settles it.”

He touted the PDP’s recent FCT election gains—”we won one out of six and about 16 councillors”—and dismissed rivals: “PDP is a party that is everywhere. It has a brand that has survived over the last two decades.

Culled from vanguard