Sokoto ADC guber candidate, Dan’iya faults FG, state govt over worsening insecurity

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has blamed the Federal and the Sokoto State governments for what he described as the worsening security situation across the state.

Dan’iya’s reaction followed the reported abduction of more than 50 residents of Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir. 

He said the incident highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Sokoto, noting that even communities linked to senior government officials were no longer safe from attacks by armed criminal groups.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to him, the recurring cases of kidnappings, killings and attacks across Sokoto reflected the inability of the federal and state governments to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Dan’iya said the security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of government, stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved where citizens live in fear.

He also expressed concern over reports that residents allegedly negotiated directly with bandits and raised money within the community to secure the release of abducted women, elderly persons and Qur’anic students.

Dan’iya said that if the reports were accurate, they highlights the desperation of affected communities and the urgent need for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering and faster response mechanisms in vulnerable areas.

He urged the government to review its security strategy and strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and local communities to tackle the growing wave of insecurity.

The ADC governorship candidate also criticised what he described as the inadequate response of the Sokoto State Government to repeated attacks across several local government areas, saying residents deserved visible leadership, empathy and decisive action during periods of insecurity.

He called on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to intensify operations against armed groups, reinforce security in vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.