From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State has distributed 150 bags of maize and cash assistance to households displaced by bandit attacks across several communities in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Hon. Musa Garba Kuchi, supervised the distribution exercise held on Monday at the Palace of the District Head of Kebbe, Sarkin Kebbin Kebbe, in Kebbe town.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto by the Secretary of the LGA, Alhaji Shamsudeen Umar Mai’akwai.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Kuchi said the beneficiaries were drawn from Ungushi, Girkau, Margai, Kebbe East, Kebbe West and other villages affected by incessant bandit attacks.
He said the intervention was aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by displaced persons who fled their homes and are currently taking refuge in Kebbe town.
“The council remains committed to standing with our people in these difficult times. This support may be modest, but it is our way of showing that you are not forgotten,” the chairman was quoted as saying.
The chairman also commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
He further noted that the provision of combat vehicles and security equipment to security agencies had boosted the morale of troops and enhanced operations in bandit-prone areas.
“Government’s investment in security is already yielding positive results. Our troops are taking the fight to the bandits in their hideouts, and this has given some of our communities the confidence to begin returning to their homes,” the chairman added.
Kuchi further pledged that humanitarian support to victims of insecurity would continue, stressing that governments at all levels must collaborate to restore peace and stability.
He urged religious leaders and the general public to intensify prayers for lasting peace, not only in Kebbe but across Sokoto State.
In his remarks, the Sarkin Kebbin Kebbe, Hon. Lawal Labbo Margai, applauded the council chairman and the state government for their concern for the welfare of the people.
Margai, a former Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, also called on officials handling the distribution to ensure transparency, fairness and justice so that the relief materials reach the intended beneficiaries.
The monarch also used the opportunity to pray for the success of security operations and for God to restore lasting peace to the affected communities.
The distribution exercise was witnessed by the Secretary of Kebbe Local Government, Hon. Shamsudeen Umar Mai’akwai, councillors, Hon. S. A. Maitunbi, Imams, traditional title holders and community leaders.
