The worsening security situation in Sokoto State has come under fresh scrutiny, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, expressing concern over the rising death toll.
Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, said more than 100 people may have died in separate incidents across the state within the past 10 days. He cited attacks in Ungushi, Kebbe Local Government Area, as well as deaths recorded in Wurno and Silame. He also referred to the Gorau boat accident in Goronyo, where dozens of passengers reportedly died.
In a statement by his media aide, Dan’iya said the frequency of the incidents should compel the state and Federal Governments to take urgent action. The ADC candidate criticised the lack of urgency in tackling insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and property remained the government’s primary responsibility.
“The scale and frequency of these tragedies should be a wake-up call to the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government. Government cannot continue to treat the loss of citizens’ lives as isolated incidents when communities are facing killings, insecurity, displacement and preventable tragedies.
“No amount of infrastructure, commissioning ceremonies or political programmes can compensate for lives lost when citizens are not adequately protected”, he added.
Dan’iya urged authorities to strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering and protect vulnerable communities, while ensuring perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
He also warned that continued killings and displacement could affect participation in the 2027 elections.
“If the killings continue at this rate, there may be fewer and fewer people left in these communities to participate in the 2027 elections. “Sokoto is bleeding. Our people need protection, empathy and action -not silence. The value of government is ultimately measured by the lives it protects and the people it serve”, he said.
He called for improved safety measures on waterways and stronger emergency response systems to prevent further loss of lives.
