By Uche Mbah
The death toll continues to rise in Sokoto attacks as the State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said 45 people are already buried.
Recall that there were violent attacks Sunday and Monday in Illela and Goronyo Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
Governor Tambuwal visited the scenes of the carnage after being briefed by aides.
In an interview granted the BBC Hausa Service Muhammad Bello, Tambuwal’s spokesperson, said the Governor was informed by residents that 45 people who died during the attack were already buried, and dozens injured receiving treatments.
The village head was also injured when the terrorists invaded seven villages and the main town, illela.
Illela and environs had no communication as all telecom companies were compelled to shut down communications to the area to limit banditry and kidnapping, but it appears to have given cover to a different kind of violence.
Reprisal attacks were reportedly, organized by different vigilante groups, a move the governor frowned at. This gives the impression that the bandits are well known and their cells marked from where they come to unleash terror from time to time.
It is not clear exactly how the Governor intends to deal with them. Reports indicate that they have taken over some communities and collect taxes from them.
Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings in Sokoto State.
His Media aide, Garba Shehu, called it a “needless and mindless violence against innocent people which cannot go unpunished.”
He said the security agencies should redouble their efforts in fighting banditry.
“This persistent and unprovoked violence against unarmed civilians must be met with fierce response by the government.
“Let me once again, reassure Nigerians, that this administration will not abandon them to their fate in the face of this existential challenge caused by banditry.
“We are taking delivery of military equipment to improve the capacity of our security forces to effectively deal with this issue.
“Our military is also deploying advanced technology to enhance surveillance and related operations to locate and crush these criminals and enemies of our common humanity.
“This administration will not tolerate this state of affairs where criminals deprive the people of their means of livelihood and turn them into beggars and refugees.
“The bandits are living in a fool’s paradise if they believe that they can’t be crushed. The criminals cannot be lucky always; they will ultimately meet their Waterloo. Evil cannot triumph over good no matter how long it takes,” he said.
