The Kebbi state government has announced plans to review existing laws with a view to imposing the death penalty or life imprisonment on convicted informants aiding bandits.
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasiru Idris, stated this on Tuesday when he paid condolence visits to Tadurga village in Zuru and Kyebu in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Areas following renewed attacks by armed bandits in the areas which resulted in the loss of 30 lives.
Idris, who labelled informants as lethal in society, stated that his administration will never play with security issues and will take them seriously.
According to him, plans have been made to build an army operational base in the Zuru Emirate to improve security in the region.
He further stated that he arranged the prompt deployment of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and other security equipment from Abuja to the state.
Idris expressed regret over the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of lives, but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security.
He described the deaths as tragic, pleading with Almighty Allah to grant them Aljannah Firdausi and rapid healing for those injured.
“We are here to see things for ourselves, commiserate with you and reassure you about the urgent actions taken to bolster the security of lives and property of the people.
“My administration has expended a substantial amount on security. We procured 80 Hilux vehicles for security personnel, provided 1,500 motorcycles to vigilantes, and increased allowances for security operatives in troubled areas,” he explained.
The Kebbi state governor also encouraged the public not to politicise the subject of security and to avoid making unguarded comments on social media.
In separate statements, the Chief of Danko Chiefdom, Alhaji Ibrahim Al’aji, and the Chief of Dabai Chiefdom, Alhaji Suleiman Sami, thanked the governor for his visit and the steps taken to combat insecurity in the area.
The traditional rulers stressed that security remained a common duty and advocated for more rigorous measures, including a heightened security presence to defend the gateway from surrounding states through which bandits invade Kebbi State to carry out their illicit activities.
The Emir of Zuru, Rtd. Major General Sani Sami, expressed gratitude to the governor for the condolence visit and praised his continuous efforts to tackle insurgency in the state.
