Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State said President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated seven North-West governors, including himself, to end banditry in the zone.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum, made the disclosure at the continuation of a Fulani Stakeholders’ Peace, Security and Unity Meeting held in Birnin-Kebbi on Sunday.
He said Buhari’s directive was to ensure the urgent restoration of normalcy in the region.
He stated Buhari was fully committed to adequately protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the country.
The Governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of the military and the other security agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
He appealed to Nigerians to be less apprehensive in confronting the enemies of peace and unity, saying: “They are a negligible few and we should all brace the odds.
“The issue of ensuring security in the nation is a collective responsibility and as such all hands must be on deck in this direction.“
Bagudu also reiterated his earlier pledge to lead the rescue efforts of the abducted students and staff of the Federal Government College (FGC) Birnin Yauri.
Suspected bandits had on Thursday, June 17 invaded the college and abducted some teachers and an unspecified number of students.
However, a military team has so far rescued about 11 of the abductees.
The governor said: “We were not elected only to stay in the office, but to do anything to safeguard lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
“We have to do everything to guarantee peace, unity and security even to the extent of sacrificing our lives as ordained by religious scriptures.”
He further vowed that his administration would leave no stone unturned in protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state.
Bagudu also vowed to sustain ongoing efforts by his administration to improve the lives of Fulanis through livestock and dairy production, Fulani women empowerment as well as enhance other forms of farming activities.
