ADC candidate demands action on Sokoto killings and kidnappings

The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, has spoken out against the recent killings and mass kidnappings in Rabah Local Government Area. He called these attacks proof that the government is failing to protect its citizens.

In a statement released by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, on Tuesday, Dan’iya mentioned reports of a mother and her son being killed, along with 10 others dead and around 40 people kidnapped in Rabah on Sunday. He said this shows a troubling rise in insecurity in the area.

Dan’iya also raised concerns about another attack on Tofa village in the same local government, where seven people were killed and 12 others taken away.

“How many more people must be killed or abducted before the APC governments admit that Sokoto has a serious security emergency?” Dan’iya asked.

He pointed out that the repeated attacks in Rabah show a growing gap between what the government says and what people in rural communities actually face. Residents in Rabah Local Government Area have been suffering from repeated attacks by suspected bandits in recent months. They have dealt with killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. In March, police reported that one person was killed and five others were kidnapped in an attack on Mallamawar Yari village. Another incident in June led to the deaths of four farmers and the abduction of 12 others.

Recently, many communities across Sokoto State have been attacked. This has led to calls for better security measures and more security personnel in areas that are vulnerable.

PUNCH Online reported that at least 10 people were killed and several more abducted early Monday when bandits attacked one of the communities in the local government area.

The state government has announced measures to boost security, including the approval of N1.75 billion for the purchase of 1,000 motorcycles for security agencies.

Dan’iya stressed that the government must ensure that these efforts lead to real results for the people. “The people of Rabah do not need another press statement. They need security personnel, intelligence, rapid response, and the peace of mind to sleep in their homes without fearing that armed men will come at night,” he said.

He called for better political coordination and accountability in the state's security setup. He argued that the level of insecurity needs a more serious institutional response. Dan’iya also urged the Federal Government to step up its fight against banditry in the North-West. He said the region cannot keep facing killings, kidnappings, and displacements while the government relies on occasional security operations and promises.

“When citizens are being killed and abducted, demanding accountability is not politicising insecurity. When communities are attacked repeatedly, asking government to protect them is not politics,” he stated.

He urged the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government, and security agencies to boost intelligence-led operations, rescue kidnapped residents, arrest the attackers, and maintain a constant security presence in vulnerable areas.

Dan’iya expressed his sympathy to the families of those killed in the attacks and prayed for the safe return of those taken away. He also praised the security personnel fighting banditry in the state. He promised that if elected in 2027, his administration would focus on protecting lives and property by improving intelligence gathering, better coordination with security agencies, and ongoing operations against criminals.

“Sokoto must not become a place where people are killed today, mourned tomorrow, and forgotten the day after. Every life lost is a failure that government must answer for,” Dan’iya concluded.