Former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani has lauded the residents of Gobir communities in Sokoto state for taking the initiative to confront terrorists who have been terrorising the area.
The former lawmaker’s reaction came after a viral video surfaced online showing thousands of residents storming the forest in large numbers to confront the criminals.
Reacting to the video, Senator Sani expressed support for the residents’ bold action, stating that it was time for the people to take the fight against banditry into their own hands.
“No better time for People’s Shahada Actions than now,” he declared.
The lawmaker, known for his outspoken stance on the insecurity plaguing the northern region, has repeatedly criticized the security agencies for their failure to effectively tackle banditry.
The killing of the Emir of Gobir and the persistent kidnappings in the region have fueled his call for what he describes as “People’s Shahada Actions” – a mass movement aimed at reclaiming lands, forests, and farms from the grip of bandits.
In a post on his official Facebook page, the former senator outlined his belief that such a movement is the key to ending the menace of banditry in the North West. He suggested that vigilantes and security agencies could collaborate to ensure the success of this grassroots initiative.
“The solution to the incessant and intractable problems of banditry in the North West is a People’s Shahada action.
“This will permanently free the people from the criminality of kidnappings and killings so that they can take back their lives, their farms, and their schools,” Sani wrote.
Senator Sani, a human rights activist, has previously warned that bandits have established a governance structure in parts of the North West, describing them as “a state within a state.” He has consistently urged security agencies to take decisive action against banditry and Boko Haram before the situation spirals further out of control.
Senator Sani however, called on citizens across the northern region to join forces and confront the bandits directly.
“Enough of the killings of innocent people for no just reason. I strongly believe the People’s Shahada Action is the best option to rid our region of bandits and criminal elements,” he said.
