Tambuwal visits Sokoto attack victims, asks Tinubu to prioritise security

A former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, on Thursday visited victims of recent bandit attacks in Bodinga Local Government Area, where he urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise tackling insecurity over political activities.

Tambuwal, who sympathised with residents displaced by the attacks, described the persistent violence in Sokoto State and other parts of the country as alarming, insisting that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.

“We are here in Bodinga Local Government Area to commiserate with the people over the recent attacks by bandits. We are deeply concerned about what is happening here, across Sokoto State and indeed the entire country,” he said.

The senator expressed concern that the Federal Government appeared to be giving greater attention to politics than to addressing the country’s security challenges.

This is the time the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should focus on the number one responsibility of government as enshrined in the Constitution — the security of lives and property.

“The President, his team and his party should devote their energy to addressing insecurity rather than engaging in electioneering activities,” Tambuwal said.

He urged Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to redirect the administration’s focus towards restoring peace across the country.

“I call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to de-emphasise politics and focus on governance, particularly the issue of insecurity. It is only when people are safe and secure that they can fully benefit from roads and other infrastructure,” he added.

Tambuwal also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying he backed the proposal despite concerns that some governors could abuse the outfit for political purposes.

“Yes, we are in opposition in Sokoto State, but I support state police because I believe every genuine effort aimed at restoring security should be encouraged. It is only when there is security that there can be meaningful development,” he said.

The former governor recalled that he had consistently advocated stronger security measures since his days in the House of Representatives.

As part of his visit, Tambuwal announced a donation of ₦20 million to victims displaced by the recent attacks, with ₦10 million allocated to displaced families in Bodinga and another ₦10 million to victims of an earlier attack in Tureta Local Government Area.

“I hereby support our brothers and sisters displaced by these unfortunate attacks in Bodinga with the sum of ₦10 million, and I extend the same support to those displaced in Tureta as we work with NEMA to provide relief. May Allah grant those who lost their lives Aljannatul Firdaus and bring an end to this menace,” he said.

The visit comes amid renewed concerns over banditry and recurring attacks in parts of Sokoto State, with communities continuing to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and livelihoods.