By Ahmed Ahmed 

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government following renewed bandit attacks that have displaced thousands of residents from communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday during a sympathy visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in Kashere, Gombe State. 

He described the security situation as “very bad,” noting that an estimated 10,000 well-armed bandits had forced residents to flee Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri and Gwana communities.

Addressing the displaced persons sheltered in a government-owned learning facility in Kashere, Governor Mohammed said the attackers were recruiting both locals and outsiders, including former illegal miners, thereby worsening the crisis. 

He assured the victims that his administration would intensify collaboration with security agencies to restore peace.

The governor disclosed plans to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to seek further directives for the military and police to confront the threat. 

He added that technology and other modern strategies would be deployed to dismantle criminal networks.

As part of community-based efforts, Mohammed announced plans to recruit 2,000 youths into vigilante groups to be trained as forest guards to support security operations.

He commended the Gombe State Government and the Kashere community for accommodating the displaced persons and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

Earlier, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured residents of increased security deployment, vowing that no part of Bauchi would be allowed to become an ungoverned space.