The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has raised concern over the rising deaths recorded across the state in recent days, describing the situation as a worsening security and humanitarian crisis.
Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, said reports from different parts of the state suggested that more than 100 people might have lost their lives in separate incidents within the past 10 days.
He cited the recent attacks in Ungushi, Kebbe Local Government Area, where residents were reportedly killed by bandits, as well as deaths recorded in Wurno and Silame local government areas.
He also referred to the Gorau boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area, where the reported death toll had risen to 53 while recovery efforts continued.
In a statement signed on Friday by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said the frequency of the incidents should compel the federal and state governments to take urgent action.
‘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.’
The ADC candidate accused the authorities of failing to demonstrate the level of urgency required to address the security situation, saying many residents were now living in fear.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the most important responsibility of government.
According to him, ‘No amount of infrastructure, commissioning ceremonies or political programmes can compensate for lives lost when citizens are not adequately protected.’