KILLINGS: Buhari condoles with Zamfara, Sokoto, and working with govts to end banditry

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his condolences to states of Zamfara and Sokoto where recent bandits’ attacks left several citizens dead.

In Zamfara, no less than 34 were reportedly killed while over 20 lost their lives in Sokoto in attacks that happened within a space of one week.

The President, like always when incidences of killings occurred, assured of his administration’s full commitment to protect life and property of citizens.

This was just as he revealed that his administration is working with state governments in North West of the country to revamp security structures and operations, following infiltration of bandits.

The President’s reaction was contained in a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, on Sunday night.

“The repositioning of security apparatus comes at the heels of killings and destruction of property in some states, which includes the recent attacks in Zamfara that left 34 people dead in Tungar Kafau and Gidan Wawa, Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“While extending condolences to government and people of Sokoto and Zamfara states for losses in recent attacks, the President has directed immediate implementation of the long-term strategic security plan for the geopolitical zone, which was collectively drawn by security agencies and state governments.

“Under the security plan, states working with Federal Government will support security and military operations with logistics and local intelligence. To strengthen the loop and scale up surveillance, the Federal Government is establishing new forward operational bases.

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‘As part of the plan, the National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies are expected to streamline operations to provide succour for displaced persons, many of whom are taking refuge in neighbouring Niger Republic and ensure their return under protection.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians of his administration’s full commitment to protect life and property of citizens,” the statement read.