The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has condemned the recent wave of bandit attacks reported in parts of the state, calling for urgent and coordinated security action to protect vulnerable communities.
Gwarzo, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, on Tuesday, expressed deep sympathy with victims of the attacks and their families, particularly residents of Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Beli in Rogo LGA, Bebeji and communities around Gwarzo affected by the violence.
He described the attacks as a disturbing threat to lives, livelihoods and economic activities, warning that residents must not be forced to abandon their homes, farms and businesses because of the activities of criminal elements.
The NDC candidate commiserated with families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those injured, displaced or otherwise affected by the attacks.
He called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted operations in vulnerable communities, stressing the need for rapid intervention whenever credible threats are identified.
Gwarzo also urged the government to urgently identify and close security gaps that could enable bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups to establish operational footholds in rural communities.
According to him, the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government and must be treated as an immediate priority.
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“Every life lost to banditry is a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture. We must not allow our people to become prisoners in their own communities.
“We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand with everyone affected by these terrible attacks. The government must act decisively to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence among our people.”
Gwarzo commended security personnel for their efforts in confronting criminal elements and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations while improving rapid-response mechanisms in communities identified as vulnerable.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, saying timely intelligence could help prevent attacks, rescue victims and facilitate the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
The NDC governorship candidate prayed for the repose of those killed and the safe return of abducted victims, while urging affected communities to remain united and resilient in the face of the security challenges.
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He stressed that sustainable economic development, agricultural productivity and social progress could not be achieved without peace and security.
Gwarzo noted that farmers, traders and other residents must be able to access their farms, businesses and communities without fear, warning that persistent insecurity could undermine food production, livelihoods and the wider economy of the state.