THE Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has called on residents of the state to defend themselves and confront bandits because security officials alone cannot tackle insecurity in the state.
Bauchi, like other North-west states of Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi, has witnessed incessant attacks by terror groups.
Hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped in Katsina this year with thousands more displaced from their homes.
During the week, the terrorists killed 20 people and wounded several others in villages surrounding Duguri District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
Bala during a visit to the area on Thursday, described the situation as unfortunate and an unacceptable trend that must be stopped.
Speaking at the palace of the District Head of Yelwan Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri, the governor lamented that the activities of the terrorists in the area was getting out of hand as the people could no longer engage in farming which is their mainstay.
Bala charged the residents of the area to henceforth “rise up, take up arms and defend yourselves. You are known to be men; you should not allow these bad elements subdue you. Defend your land and liberate yourselves.”
He also charged the people to search themselves and bring out the bad eggs amongst them who are serving as informant to the bandits stressing that without inside information, the bandits cannot operate.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to work assiduously in collaboration with the security agencies operating in the state to protect lives and properties of innocent citizens.
