Sultan Clarifies Remarks on Security Agents’ Response to Bandit Attacks

The Sultan of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, recently issued a statement to clarify his previous remarks regarding the response of security agents to bandit attacks in Nigeria.

The Sultan, who also serves as the co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, expressed his concern over the escalating violence and highlighted the need for effective security measures in the country.
In a statement released by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, the Sultan emphasized that his original comments had been misinterpreted and misrepresented by some reporters. The Sultan’s intention was to shed light on the alarming increase in attacks across various states following the general elections, rather than to accuse security agents of evading their responsibilities or mocking the victims.
During a recent quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council, which centered around the theme of “Media and Effective Nation Building,” the Sultan addressed the issue of post-election insecurity. He underscored that these acts of violence were not motivated by religion but rather the actions of misinformed individuals. The Sultan expressed his dismay over the instances where bandits would raid communities, causing loss of lives and destruction of property, with inadequate resistance from security officials. He questioned the delay in their response, which often led to a sense of helplessness and frustration among the affected communities.
Clarifying his earlier statements, the Sultan stated, “When bandits go into people’s communities, kill them, and burn their houses, it is disheartening to witness the lack of immediate action. Only after the damage has been done do the security agents arrive, leaving the victims to contemplate the ashes of their destroyed lives.”
The Sultan’s intent was to draw attention to the urgency of prompt and proactive measures by security agencies to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the first place. His remarks aimed to emphasize the need for swift responses and effective coordination between security forces and affected communities in the face of bandit attacks.
It is crucial to accurately represent the Sultan’s words and intentions to foster a better understanding of the challenges faced by communities affected by violence in Nigeria. The Sultan has consistently advocated for peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. By clarifying his stance on the issue, the Sultan aims to ensure that his message is correctly conveyed, promoting constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts in addressing the security concerns of the nation.