President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday assured lawmakers from Kebbi State that his administration will bolster security measures to protect lives and property in the north.
Senators representing Kebbi State disclosed this to State House Correspondents after a thank-you visit to the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, noted that although the rice-producing region enjoys relative peace, bandit infiltration from Kebbi South and Kebbi North has hindered farming in certain areas.
Aliero stated that he had secured Tinubu’s commitment to fully dislodge bandits from their hideouts in Kebbi and neighbouring states.
“The security situation in Kebbi State is manageable, but in Kebbi South, due to proximity to Niger and Zamfara, we experience bandit infiltration that disrupts farming. Similarly, in Kebbi North, close to Sokoto East, bandits disturb our farmers, which is why we are concerned that more action is needed to clear them from these areas.
“Mr President has assured us that further steps will be taken to ensure the security of lives and property, not only in Kebbi but throughout Nigeria,” he explained.
The former FCT Minister continued, “We need heightened security in the area, particularly as this is harvest season.
“We don’t want farmers to be harassed. We want them to have a successful harvest. As you know, there is a bumper harvest this year, and we cannot afford a situation where bandits burn crops.
“That would be futile if it happens.”
Aliero revealed that during the visit, the Senators also thanked Tinubu for the flag-off of the Sokoto-Badagry Road, a project he said had been neglected for 48 years.
“We’re here at the Presidential Villa to express our deep appreciation to Mr President for launching the Sokoto-Badagry Road.
“This road has been in planning for 48 years. Successive administrations have failed to address it, but the President has boldly not only launched the construction but also flagged it off in record time,” the Senator added.
He highlighted the importance of the road to the north, noting that it will reduce travel time from Sokoto to Lagos by six hours.
“The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasiru Idris, represented him, and we understand that the contractor has already been mobilised, with over 30 per cent of the total contract sum allocated.
“This road is vital for the whole of northern Nigeria, as it will reduce travel time from Sokoto to Lagos to just six hours,” he explained.
Aliero noted that currently, trailers take nearly two days, and regular vehicles around 16 hours, to reach Sokoto. Upon completion of the new road, travel time to Sokoto and Kebbi will reduce significantly.
He also highlighted the gratitude of the Northwest and North-central zones to the President for initiating the project, originally begun under the military government of President Olusegun Obasanjo but halted due to political conflicts in the Second Republic.
Aliero expressed satisfaction in seeing this longstanding goal fulfilled and reiterated gratitude to the President for making it a reality.
“We’re delighted to see this dream come true. We are deeply grateful to the President once again,” he enthused.
The Kebbi lawmakers also declared support for the administration, noting that despite political differences, they would contribute to responsible governance.
“We are prepared to give Mr President all the support he needs to govern this country effectively, regardless of our political differences.
“I’ll leave it there, as we are not discussing politics today; we are here for governance, which has brought us to the Presidential Villa.”
Aliero arrived at the Villa alongside Senators Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North, and Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South.