Following the displacement of thousands of residents due to renewed bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has visited affected communities currently taking refuge in neighbouring Gombe State.
The governor met with victims from Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri, Gwana, and other surrounding communities who fled to Kashere Central Primary School in Akko LGA after heavily armed bandits invaded their towns.
Describing the security situation as “very bad,” Governor Bala disclosed that intelligence reports suggest that more than 10,000 well-armed bandits have infiltrated communities in Alkaleri, overwhelming local vigilante groups and security personnel. He stated that the escalating violence has displaced over 100,000 residents.
The governor expressed grave concerns over what he described as “ungoverned spaces” around the Dajin Madam forest area. According to him, bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West have regrouped in the area, where they are allegedly recruiting locals and outsiders, including individuals previously involved in illegal mining activities.
Although he acknowledged that police drone operations have helped repel some attacks, Governor Bala emphasized the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated military action to restore order.
In response to the worsening crisis, the governor revealed that he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to seek enhanced federal intervention.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he cautioned that the situation in Alkaleri could deteriorate into a major humanitarian disaster if not promptly addressed.
“Some bandits have become so emboldened that they have taken over many ungoverned spaces. It appears that we are overwhelmed, and the situation is escalating,” he said.
He further noted that fear has compelled many residents to flee to neighbouring states and local government areas, particularly during the Ramadan period.
The visit highlights growing calls for intensified federal intervention as states in the North-East continue to grapple with the spillover effects of banditry from other regions.
