Residents of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday took to the streets to protest the worsening wave of kidnappings, attacks and insecurity ravaging their communities.
The protest, which reportedly attracted residents from different parts of the local government, was fueled by growing concerns over repeated attacks and abductions allegedly carried out by armed criminals operating in vulnerable communities.
The demonstrators expressed frustration over the deteriorating security situation, saying persistent attacks had left residents living in fear and severely disrupted farming, trading and other economic activities. 
They called on the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government to urgently deploy additional security personnel and operational equipment to communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
The protesters also demanded increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations, urging security agencies to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
According to residents, the insecurity has become a major threat to their livelihoods, particularly as farmers struggle to access their farmlands without fear of being attacked or kidnapped.
They warned that unless urgent action was taken, continued attacks could force more residents to abandon their homes and farms, further worsening food production and economic hardship in the area.
The protesters also called for closer coordination among the military, police and other security agencies to strengthen the fight against banditry and kidnapping.
Confirming the development, the Sokoto State Police Command said it was aware of the situation and assured residents that security operatives were “on top of the situation.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmad Rufai, said the command was monitoring developments and had taken necessary measures to safeguard lives and property in the affected area.
The police assurance came as anxiety remained high among residents, who insisted that more visible and sustained security operations were needed to restore confidence and prevent further attacks.
The protest underscores the growing security concerns across parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to threaten rural communities, disrupt agricultural activities and inflict significant social and economic hardship.
Residents are now demanding concrete action rather than assurances, saying they want to return to their farms, markets and businesses without fear of being attacked or abducted.
They further urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, community-based security initiatives and coordination among security agencies to prevent Tambuwal and surrounding communities from becoming increasingly exposed to criminal attacks.
Vanguard
