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Residents of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State took to the streets on Friday to protest the rising cases of attacks, kidnappings and insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods in the area.
The protest reportedly drew residents from several communities who expressed frustration over repeated attacks allegedly carried out by armed criminals operating around vulnerable settlements.
The protesters called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments to take urgent measures to protect residents and prevent further loss of lives and property.
They said the worsening security situation had created widespread fear, particularly among farmers, traders and rural dwellers whose livelihoods depend on access to farms, markets and other economic activities.
The demonstrators demanded the deployment of additional security personnel and operational equipment to vulnerable communities.
They also called for intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
The protesters urged the military, police and other security agencies to strengthen their collaboration in tackling the criminal networks and restoring confidence among residents.
They warned that continued attacks could undermine agricultural production and force more residents to abandon their communities and farmlands in search of safer locations.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed awareness of the situation, assuring residents that security operatives were working to contain the threat.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the police were monitoring developments and taking necessary measures to protect lives and property in the affected areas.
The police assurance came amid heightened anxiety among residents, who demanded sustained security operations rather than temporary interventions.
The protest has further drawn attention to the worsening security challenges in parts of the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping continue to disrupt rural communities and economic activities.
Residents said they wanted to see tangible improvements in security, stressing that the true measure of government intervention would be the restoration of peace and the freedom to farm, trade and move without fear.
Stakeholders have consequently called for stronger intelligence gathering, community engagement and coordinated security operations to prevent Tambuwal and neighbouring communities from becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal elements.
