The Chairman of Isa Local Government Council in Sokoto State, Hon. Sharehu Abubakar Kamarawa, has firmly denied allegations that his administration failed to act on intelligence and ignored early warnings preceding a deadly bandit attack in Bargaja village.
Council's Response to Intelligence Reports
In a personal statement issued on Sunday, the council boss described these claims as false, misleading, and not reflective of the actual situation. He revealed that before the tragic incident, he had received an intelligence report concerning suspicious movements in the area.
According to Kamarawa, the council immediately mobilized local security guards and alerted the relevant security agencies to ensure a swift intervention. "Security personnel were deployed to the reported location to forestall any attack," the statement explained.
How the Attack Unfolded Despite Security Measures
Despite these proactive measures, the situation took a tragic turn. Subsequent intelligence revealed that the bandits had cleverly diverted through an alternative route outside the area initially monitored by security forces.
This tactical shift by the assailants led directly to the devastating attack in Bargaja village, which resulted in six fatalities and the abduction of numerous individuals.
Accountability and Ongoing Security Efforts
In response to what he termed as negligence of duty, Chairman Kamarawa announced that the commander in charge of the affected area has been removed and replaced. This decisive action aims to ensure improved coordination and accountability within the local security apparatus.
The chairman reaffirmed the local government's unwavering commitment to supporting security operations across all communities. He detailed the council's continuous provision of essential support, including:
- Logistics and operational allowances
- Fuel and other essential materials
- Enhanced welfare for local vigilante groups
Kamarawa emphasized that maintaining the readiness of vigilante groups to collaborate with conventional security forces remains a top priority for protecting lives and property.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in Bargaja, the chairman pledged that both the state and local governments remain fully committed to restoring lasting peace and stability in the area.
"Security is a collective responsibility," he stated, urging residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies rather than spreading unfounded allegations that could undermine morale.
Kamarawa also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his comprehensive efforts to combat insecurity in the state. These initiatives include the distribution of hundreds of patrol vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies, the reinstatement of monthly operational allowances for personnel, and the creation of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.
Further highlighting the governor's security strategy, he noted the approval of an air component under Operation Farsan Yamma and plans to recruit more personnel into the State Neighbourhood Initiative and the Sokoto Marshals.
The chairman assured residents that the council remains resolute in its commitment to supporting all security operations aimed at curbing banditry and other criminal activities across Isa and neighbouring communities.
