More than 40 towns and villages have been raided by bandits in Zuru Emirate areas of Kebbi State, and the number of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps has swelled.
Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Mu’azu Dakingari, who confirmed this in a statement, said Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has visited the IDPs to sympathise with victims.
According to him, “Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu visited IDPs’ camps in Mahuta, headquarters of Fakai Local Government and Isgogo in Zuru Emirate to sympathise and condole with the families of persons killed by bandits who attacked more than 40 towns and villages along the border of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
“The governor, in company of General Muhammadu Magoro and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, expressed deep sympathy and concern on the tragedy, advising families of the victims to rekindle their faith in Allah as the custodian of mercy and recourse.
He pledged that his administration would reach out to the affected persons appropriately, especially to resettle them in their various towns and villages soonest.
“Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu directed the relevant authorities to provide food items, drugs and other essential items to the IDPs,” he said.
Dakingari said the governor had ordered the immediate abolition of school fees and PTA levies in order to give room for children of IDPs to attend schools.
“The governor also acknowledged with gratitude the support and assistance provided to the IDPs camp in Mahuta by the people of the area,” he said
The affected towns and villages, it was gathered, include Ba’are, Iri, Barbaro, Mai Kende, Tungar Gambo, Usheri, Garin Hausawa, Ahuri, Doro, Babban Rafi, Jonga, Hulu, Sago, Adaga and Agwala.
The rest are Masama, Gulori, Arewa, Gurguza, Sabla, Mai Danga, Ucheri, Sangi, Tungar Dutse, Maidaji, Maidaji Gari, Chasgu, Golo Ingarde, Lonka, Ambu, Adaka, Saminaka and Sabon Birni all located in Fakai and Zuru Local Government areas.
Other displaced villages in Zuru are Badi, Kwalo, Rafin Gora I, Muhaye, Isgen, Ganuwa, Rafin Gora II, Ulasa, Dago, Bachuchu, Rafin Gora III and Uli Zamfara.