How Army Restored Peace to Trouble Zones in Kebbi, Says Gov Bagudu

Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, yesterday commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, over the military operations that flushed out the bandits that had prevented farmers from going to their farms in Danko Wasagu area of the state.

The governor, while recalling how the Kebbi South was bedevilled by banditry in 2015 when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, said peace has since returned to the hitherto troubled areas of the state with the assistance of the military.

He said: “Danku Wasagu area was before 2015 a no-go-area, but that is now a history. I can vividly remember when some years back we trekked over 11 kilometres into farmlands in that troubled area, with a view to celebrating the return of peace.

“There are 255 political wards in the 21 local government areas of the state, and in all of them are massive agricultural activities going on. Credit must be given to my late Security Adviser, retired Maj.-General Muhammad Dan Hanne, and my Deputy, retired Col. Samaila Yombe, who literally relocated to Danko Wasagu then.”

Bagudu commended the army for what he described as its relentless efforts in securing lives and property of the people of the state and the country in general.

He pledged to continue to provide the needed support, goodwill and morale booster to the military and other security agencies in the state .This, he noted would serve as encouragement for them to selflessly render their direly needed services at all times.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Yahaya, told Bagudu that his visit was to pay respect and homage to him for his support to the military operations ongoing in the Northwest region of the country.

He said: “We are getting feedbacks for everything you are doing for our troops and other security agencies. You have sustained your commendable goodwill to us even at the toughest times.

“We are thanking you again for your invaluable support to our troops, and you are always appreciating our efforts.”

The COAS urged the governor not to relent in that direction, adding: “I know you will not relent because even when we don’t ask, you have provided. Even when we have not seen, you have called to give input and guidance.”