By Musa Na Allah Sokoto
Many Sokoto residents jubilate over the recent directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the state minister of Defence Bello Matawalle and other top Military brass to hasten relocation to Sokoto to deal with the current challenge of insecurity in the northwest axis.
In an interview conducted by our correspondent on Sunday in Sokoto a cross-section of people who spoke with Stallion Times on the long-awaited directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appreciated FG over the move which had indicated a commitment and readiness to bring an end to killings and kidnapping in the northwest.
Shehu Na Mani Rabah a vegetable seller in Sokoto said the recent directive has manifested FG’s intention to rid the North West of terrorism.
Mani Rabah further said such a directive was expected during the last regime stressing that deployment of necessary military assets and manpower would ensure that these criminal elements were flushed out and peace is restored to our communities.
He urged the personnel to live up to the expectations and urged residents especially those living in the affected settlements to cooperate with personnel and support the movement.
Dr Maiwada an academician with Sokoto State University, Sokoto described the order given by Minister Matawalle as a relief and great service to humanity during this insecurity escalation situation in some states of North West.
“The man is a good strategist who understands the trend, aware of their tactics, especially in my state. He was very successful in the fight against insurgents during his tenure in our state and region many times before becoming a Minister. So he needs an independent authority to crush them,” said Mada.
Malam Attahiru Wurno another resident commended the FG’s efforts and advised Minister Bello Matawalle to intensify supervision operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang were flushed out.
Wurno added that there was an urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to return to their farms and move freely.
He stressed that The Federal Government directive has shown deep concern about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West states.
Another resident, Mr Eze Anene a spare parts dealer in the Sahara area, expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the northwest and its environs.
Anene explained that the present strategic move has indicated the unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
Opposition parties are in agreement with these new directives. In their reactions on Sunday, the Coalition for opposition parties in Katsina has expressed their support and prayers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly, Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle over their foresight of sending the hierarchy of military including army and air force to stationed in the heartbeat of this area of insecurity for effective coordination and operations against insecurity challenges bedeviling our people in the north.
It was reported in a statement issued by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, the Minister of State, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and other top Military brass are moving to Sokoto directed by the president.
Ogubike said the directive was aimed at ridding the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area.
“And late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.
“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.
“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Ogubike said.
