Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has denied having any part of the state under the control of bandits.
According to him, the information was not correct and that it was orchestrated by some unrepentant elements who never liked his government.
“We are not against constructive criticism or against any information that will help in curbing the menace, but what we are saying, people should verify and authenticate their information before making it public,”
“Just a recent, some group of people addressed a press conference, alleging that some areas in Sokoto are being controlled by bandits, that the people in those areas seek permission from bandits before going to the market or holding marriage and naming ceremonies,” he stated.
“When I read the story, I called the Director, DSS and advised him to invite the convener and ask him in a courteous manner to name those places so that we can go and liberate them.
“But when he came, he said he was misled to make such claim and apologised.”
The Governor who reiterated his commitment to end banditry in the state, appealed to politicians to desist from playing politics with the issue of security.
He appealed to them to rethink and stop spreading fake information capable of discrediting his government and security agencies.
Tambuwal further reiterated that “we are not resting. We shall overcome these criminals very soon”
He appealed for unconditional support for security agencies from the public in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.
He disclosed plan to establish a central Communication Control unit where distress calls would be received and passed to security agencies for quick action.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his resolve to end the menace in the state.
The Governor gave the explanations while presenting 80 patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state.