By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has paid a sympathy visit to victims of kidnapping recently rescued by security agencies in Alkaleri Local Government Area, commending the Federal Government for its swift intervention in addressing insecurity.
During the visit Saturday, the Governor expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying special forces and other security assets to the area, noting that the intervention has significantly weakened the activities of bandits.
He disclosed that many of the perpetrators have been neutralized, while others have been arrested, adding that between 40 and 50 kidnapped victims have so far been rescued through the ongoing clearance operations.
“What the President and the security agencies have done for us is something we will never forget. Their timely response and the deployment of both air and ground forces have made a significant difference. Most of the bandits have been neutralized, some arrested, and dozens of victims rescued,” the Governor stated.
Governor Bala Mohammed, however, noted that the operation is still ongoing, and called for sustained efforts to completely eliminate criminal elements from the area.
He also directed community leaders and local government authorities to intensify vigilance, warning of the presence of informants and accomplices aiding criminal activities.
He emphasized that all rescued victims would undergo proper profiling, particularly in view of the link between insecurity and illegal mining activities in the area.
The Governor assured that the state government would continue to provide humanitarian support, including medical care and welfare assistance, to the rescued victims until they are fully reintegrated into their communities.
He further observed that many of those involved in banditry and illegal mining are not indigenes of Bauchi State but come from neighboring states, highlighting the broader national dimension of the security challenge.
Governor Bala Mohammed commended the military, police, and other security agencies for their professionalism and urged continued collaboration to restore lasting peace in the state.
