Buhari Orders Military Crackdown As Sokoto Bandits Kill 70

President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a directive for a “fierce” military operation against bandits in Sokoto State following deadly attacks in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. This directive, announced on Thursday, comes in response to Wednesday's violent assaults that left numerous people dead and injured.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Garba Shehu, President Buhari expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the continuous violence by bandits amidst the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic. “As the world and Nigeria battle the coronavirus pandemic, it is tragic and unfortunate that bandits have remained active in parts of the country, killing innocent people and throwing families into despair,” Buhari stated.

Emphasizing the government’s resolve, the President added, “We will not abandon you to your fate because we are determined to bring these mass murderers to their knees and crush them totally.”

To combat the banditry, Buhari announced the launch of a major military operation code-named ‘Operation Accord’. This operation targets the bandits terrorizing the North-West and North Central states. “This operation will be a full-time and sustained military offensive intended to deny the bandits any breathing space to reorganize and regroup,” the President explained.

He reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to protecting them against what he described as “remorseless psychopathic mass killers who have no regard for the sanctity of life.”

The recent attack in Sabon Birni occurred just 24 hours after Governor Aminu Tambuwal visited Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas. Sources reported that bandits on motorbikes attacked the villages of Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Katuma, and Masawa around 6 pm on Wednesday, leaving a trail of devastation.

When contacted, Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammad Sadiq, stated that the command was still compiling the facts and could not yet confirm the casualty figures, which some unconfirmed sources estimate to be around seventy. “Kindly be informed that the press conference has been postponed because the CP had to exit the command to go on a visit to the affected areas,” Sadiq later explained.

The attacks have heightened the urgency for decisive action against the bandits, who have continued their violent campaigns despite various efforts to curb their activities. The launch of ‘Operation Accord’ signifies a renewed commitment from the Nigerian government and military to restore peace and security in the affected regions.

As the military prepares for this extensive operation, the affected communities and the nation as a whole are watching closely, hoping for a swift and effective resolution to the banditry that has plagued the North-West and North Central states.