Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has firmly dispelled widespread claims that residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area were driven out by bandits, describing a viral social media video on the incident as misleading and capable of inciting unnecessary fear across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state government clarified that although the individuals seen in the video are residents of Tidibale, they were not displaced by any bandit attack.
Rather, their temporary relocation was a preventive security measure taken by local authorities following a rumour of a possible threat to the community.
According to the government, the unverified intelligence caused tension among residents, prompting the councillor representing the ward, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, to immediately alert the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.
Acting swiftly, the council chairman ordered the temporary conveyance of villagers to the Isa Local Government headquarters to ensure their safety.
The government confirmed that the situation has since been fully stabilised, with all affected residents returning safely to their ancestral homes in Tidibale.
Security agencies have also intensified surveillance and patrols in the area to deter criminal elements.
In a decisive move to strengthen long-term security and reassure both residents and the wider Nigerian public, the Sokoto State Government announced the approval of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Tidibale.
The base is expected to reinforce existing security formations and enhance rapid response capacity in Isa Local Government Area and adjoining communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security efforts, the state government stressed that it is working closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, and community-based vigilante groups to protect lives and property, particularly in rural and border communities vulnerable to criminal infiltration.
The government also issued a strong warning against the politicisation of security challenges, noting that misinformation and sensational narratives undermine collective efforts to combat banditry nationwide.
Citizens were urged to support security agencies by exposing informants and criminal collaborators within their communities.
Additionally, the public was cautioned against spreading rumours or unverified reports on security issues, which the government said often escalate fear, disrupt social stability, and weaken public confidence in national security operations.
The Sokoto State Government reiterated that the safety of citizens remains a top priority and assured Nigerians that proactive measures are being taken to prevent any breach of peace in Tidibale and other security sensitive areas of the state.
