INTERVIEW: It's Heartbreaking To See Wealthy Farmers Queueing For Food At IDP Camps Due To Banditry, Says LG Boss In Sokoto

Source: The Whistler Nigeria
Author: Shafa'atu Suleiman

Hon. Isa Salihu Bashir Kalanjeni, Sole Administrator of Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto state, has been at the forefront of the fight against insecurity in his LGA. Tangaza LGA has been one of the 13 LGAs in the state severely affected by banditry and cattle rustling over the past decade, with devastating impact on the social, political, and economic well-being of the people.

In this exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER, Hon. Kalanjeni gives insight into the security challenges in the local government and the state government's efforts to combat insecurity.

Security has become a major concern, giving me sleepless nights as a leader. Once it's 5 pm, people leave their homes and sleep in the bush for fear of attacks. Women and children flee to the bush for safety, and you can hear cries of babies from the bush. They are children whose parents took refuge in those bushes; children cry because the bush is not comfortable for anyone to pass the night. Though some of them go with their nets and camp in the bush, they return to their houses when the day breaks. We cannot cultivate some of our farm lands or go to the market freely.

It's not easy, but as a leader, I'm doing all within my power to make the LGA secure. However, I'm not alone in this fight; the state government, security agencies, the military, and local vigilantes are also playing crucial roles. The communities play a vital role in guarding their villages at night, and they come out in their numbers to guard their lives. Each community has contacts with the others, making it easier for them to communicate whenever they sight danger. We also inform the military whenever we see bandits. The military always cooperates with us on several occasions.

We include local vigilantes because there are villages where soldiers are not enough. For example, in a village where only 30 soldiers are attached, considering how wide our bushes are, there is a need for extra hands. That's why we use local vigilantes, most of whom are hunters who know every corner of the bushes. We want to have a strong force that will illuminate these criminals from our bushes. Most of our security operatives raid their hideouts in the bushes; they come and take cover in some villages. We have information about all those villages and will take necessary action when the time comes.

Now that farming season is approaching, we have to tighten our security measures and get these people (Bandits) out of our bushes; if not, our people cannot cultivate their lands.

As I'm talking to you, there is a village where people told me bandits have made a demarcation of the land they are allowed to farm, and the people cannot go beyond that!

We also have our equivalent here in Sokoto and neighboring Kebbi state. That's why we are using the local vigilantes I told you about. Before we contracted them, we informed the state government about our move, and they welcomed the idea. Governor Ahmed Aliyu has made a pledge that even if all the money allocated to Sokoto state will finish in the fight against insecurity, he is ready to bring it to an end.

The local vigilantes I'm talking about are mostly brought from Argungu (Kebbi state), Binji, Gudu, and some are our own from Tangaza here. They are people we don't have doubts about; they are fearless and dedicated. They are ever ready to face the bandits because they have the expertise.

We write to the state government seeking funds to cater to the needs of these vigilantes, and the state government is always at the forefront whenever the need arises. They give us the necessary support needed. Unless on occasions where matters of emergency arise, then we reach out to people who are capable of seeking financial assistance. While in some instances, since I'm also an indigene of the state, I see nothing bad when I help from my own pocket; we all have the same purpose.

There are numerous challenges. Firstly, our people living in villages that were attacked are taking refuge in other villages. You'll be surprised to see a family man who has hectares of farmland and cultivates thousands of tons waiting for someone to give him pap for breakfast in those refugee camps Honestly It's heartbreaking.

Even we at the headquarters feel the impact; whenever we receive a phone call around noon, our hearts sink, knowing there's a problem somewhere. All these things are challenging.

There's no one who won't feel the pain of losing siblings, a wife, husband, children, or cattle to bandits and question a leader's integrity or respect. Some assume we're aware but don't care since we're not affected. They think we're not affected, so there's no way to escape the people's anger as a leader.

Everybody is dear to me, both my family and the outer community. I feel their pain too. I don't have any special protection, nor does my family. We've been enlightening people on the need to be vigilant and form vigilante groups to protect their villages. The government can't be everywhere, as the situation is out of hand. Our people say, "idan dambu yayi yawa baya jin mai" (we can't be everywhere). If you visit my house, there are no police attached, and I don't have security guards; there's no special guard.

Let me share an insight into Gandabar Yamma village. The people there are dedicated and vigilant, with both youth and elderly committed to their safety. A few months ago, there was an attack, but they chased the bandits out despite lacking sophisticated weapons. I visited with the DPO and saw the damage; the villagers really

I urge the Governor Ahmed Aliyu to equip the community guards established by the state government. I'm aware that the equipment needed are on ground. These trained youths are eager to take action but are currently idle because they are not given the gadgets. If the state government provide them with the necessary tools, they can effectively fight against insecurity, saving us the cost and effort of seeking external help. Let's harness their potential and work together towards a safer Sokoto state.

Let us all join hands to combat insecurity in our state. As individuals, we have a crucial role to play in reporting suspicious activities and collaborating with security agencies. The military, state government, and local vigilantes are doing their part; now it's our turn to contribute to achieving a peaceful Sokoto state.