Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has responded to the harrowing terrorist attack in Kebbe Local Government Area with a combination of humanitarian intervention, institutional solidarity and renewed determination to confront the criminal networks responsible for the escalating insecurity ravaging vulnerable communities.
Acting on the directive of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, a high-powered government delegation led by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Jabir Sani Maihulla, on Saturday visited the affected communities to commiserate with bereaved families, offer words of consolation to survivors and deliver immediate financial and material assistance to those bearing the devastating consequences of the attack.
The intervention, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary, Kebbe Local Government Secretariat, reflects the administration’s determination not to abandon citizens whose lives, livelihoods and sense of security have been shattered by terrorism and violent criminality.
As part of the emergency relief package, the government disbursed N8 million to the families of eight deceased victims, with each bereaved family receiving N1 million, in addition to five bags of food items to mitigate the immediate hardship confronting the affected households.
Similarly, four injured victims received N1 million collectively, translating to N250,000 each, alongside three bags each of rice, millet and maize to support their recovery and ease the economic burden imposed by the tragedy.
Addressing the grieving families and residents, Prof. Maihulla expressed deep anguish over the killings, describing the incident as a painful assault that had left an indelible scar on the affected families and the wider Kebbe community.
“We are deeply concerned and greatly saddened by what has happened. We share in your grief and pain, and we urge the affected families to remain steadfast and continue to seek solace in Almighty Allah,” he said.
The Commissioner conveyed Governor Aliyu’s firm resolve to intensify the state’s response to the security crisis, stressing that the government would continue to deploy available institutional, financial and logistical resources in support of security agencies operating across the affected areas.
“The Governor is doing everything within his capacity to address the security challenges, including providing operational vehicles, logistical support and other necessary assistance to the security agencies to strengthen their operations and support the efforts to end the activities of the terrorists,” Maihulla stated.
The latest intervention comes amid persistent security concerns in parts of Sokoto State, where terrorist and criminal activities have continued to exact a devastating toll on rural populations, disrupt economic activities, threaten agricultural livelihoods and undermine the peace and stability upon which communities depend.
The Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Council, Hon. Musa Garba Kuchi, commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as a timely and compassionate response, saying the presence of government officials among the victims at a moment of profound grief was a powerful reassurance that the affected communities had not been forgotten.
“We profoundly appreciate His Excellency, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for this timely intervention, compassion and continued support to the people of Kebbe, particularly at this difficult period,” Kuchi said.
Kuchi pledged that the local government would continue to complement the state’s security efforts within its constitutional and operational capacity, particularly through logistical assistance, intelligence-sharing and closer collaboration with security agencies.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and furnish security authorities with credible and timely intelligence that could facilitate the prevention of attacks, identification of perpetrators and dismantling of criminal networks operating within and around the area.
The council chairman further urged residents to maintain unity and resilience while intensifying prayers for the restoration of peace, noting that collective vigilance and constructive cooperation with security agencies remained indispensable in the fight against terrorism.
The Sarkin Kabbin Kebbe, Hon. Lawali Labbo Margai, and the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Bala Kokani, similarly commended the state government’s sustained interventions and expression of solidarity with communities confronted by insecurity, while praying for the restoration of lasting peace across Kebbe and the state.
The delegation included the Executive Chairman of Tambuwal Local Government, Abba Shehu; Special Advisers to the Governor, Hon. Garba Maitunbi and Hon. Bello Garba; APC leaders from Kebbe and Tambuwal local government areas; Member representing the constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Hamisu Kuchi; Secretary of Kebbe Local Government Council, Shamsudeen Umar Maiakwai; and other government officials and dignitaries.
While no financial intervention can compensate families for the irreversible loss of loved ones, the government’s gesture has provided an immediate lifeline to victims struggling with the aftermath of the attack and reinforced its pledge to combine humanitarian assistance with sustained security measures.
The solemn visit ultimately conveyed a dual message: the government stands with the victims in their grief, but it is equally determined that terrorism and violent criminality must not be allowed to dictate the future of Kebbe or any other community in Sokoto State.
