On September 2, 2026, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule visited Sokoto State, where he made claims that there was no banditry in the state. According to reports, Sule stated that he traveled from Sokoto to Silame by car without encountering any bandits, contradicting reports of widespread banditry in the state. Sule's statement was met with skepticism by many, including residents of Sokoto State, who have been experiencing bandit attacks in recent times.
Despite Sule's claims, reports from various sources, including the police and media outlets, suggest that Sokoto State is indeed experiencing banditry. On August 26, 2026, bandits attacked the village of Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area, killing four people and injuring seven others. Additionally, on August 31, 2026, bandits abducted some farmers in Ghandi and opened fire on them, killing eight people and injuring five others.
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that bandits have been carrying out attacks in the state, including the imposition of levies on residents in various villages. According to the police, on September 2, 2026, bandits imposed a levy of N40 million on residents of Kebbe village. These reports contradict Sule's claims that there is no banditry in Sokoto State.
Sule's claim that he traveled from Sokoto to Silame without encountering bandits has been questioned by many, including Bashir Jelani, who stated that a one-time trip by the governor does not necessarily mean that there is no banditry in the state. Dan takaran kujeran gwamnan jihar daga jam'iyyar ADC, Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, also challenged Sule's statement, saying that providing adequate security is possible if people can go about their daily lives without fear.
The incident has sparked a debate about the state of security in Sokoto State and the accuracy of Sule's claims. While Sule's statement may have been based on his personal experience, it does not necessarily reflect the reality on the ground. The state has been experiencing bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other forms of violence, which have left many residents living in fear.
The investigation by Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, found that Sule's statement was misleading. The organization's findings were based on reports from various sources, including media outlets and the police. The investigation revealed that bandits have been active in Sokoto State, carrying out attacks and imposing levies on residents.
In conclusion, Governor Abdullahi Sule's claim that there is no banditry in Sokoto State is at variance with reports from various sources. While Sule may have traveled from Sokoto to Silame without incident, the reality on the ground suggests that banditry is a significant problem in the state. The government and security agencies must take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of residents.
Key points
- Governor Abdullahi Sule's claim that there is no banditry in Sokoto State contradicts reports from various sources.
- Sokoto State has been experiencing bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other forms of violence.
- The government and security agencies must take concrete steps to address the issue of banditry in Sokoto State.
