Kebbi Governor Vows to Rebuild Villages Destroyed by Bandits, Establish Permanent Army Base

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has promised to provide financial assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) whose villages were burned down by Lakurawa bandits in Arewa Local Government Area. The governor made this pledge during a sympathy visit to the temporary IDP camp at Kangiwa, headquarters of Arewa Local Government.

"We will assist all displaced persons to relocate back home; we don't want you to stay at the camp for long," Governor Idris said. He also directed the provision of 100 bags of millet and 100 bags of rice to serve as daily meals for the displaced persons. Additionally, he ordered the local government chairman to slaughter a big cow every four days to provide enough beef for the villagers, especially children.

The governor further announced that four pregnant women in the camp had given birth to four babies, and he directed the procurement of two rams for each baby for the naming ceremony, as well as clothing and necessary items for the nursing mothers.

Governor Idris emphasized the need for neighboring states to adopt Kebbi State's strategies in combating armed attacks by bandits. "These criminals are not based in Kebbi but carry out hit-and-run operations from our neighbors. Our security services are doing their best, and we shall sustain the tempo," he assured.

The Chairman of Arewa Local Government, Alhaji Sani Aliyu Tela, explained that the bandits had attacked several villages, killing 11 people and injuring others. He appreciated the governor's support, including the provision of 50,000 bags of rice and cash assistance to the displaced persons.

Other donors included the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, who pledged N20 million and 100 bags of grains, and Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, Kebbi North, who donated 100 bags of rice and N2 million.

An indigene of Birnin Debe, Aliyu Sani, recounted the bandits' attack on his village, saying they had spared women but burned down the Central Mosque. A female victim, Halima Musa, appealed to the governor to evolve strategies to prevent future attacks and provide necessary assistance to the displaced persons.