Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, has stated that the worsening insecurity in his district where residents face daily threats of killings, kidnappings, and displacement by bandits necessitated his defection to the African Democratic Congress.
This was as he insisted that the ongoing legal crisis within the ADC will not deter his resolve to join the party.
Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday, Lamido said that his decision is driven by the collective will of his constituents rather than personal political ambition.
“This is not about me. It is about my people who are being killed, kidnapped, and displaced on a daily basis. They are the ones who took this decision, and I am only representing their voice,” he said.
The lawmaker accused the ruling All Progressives Congress at both the state and federal levels of failing to provide adequate protection for the people.
“For too long, our communities have suffered with little or no meaningful intervention. My people believe a new platform like the ADC can offer a better approach to addressing their plight,” he added.
Lamido acknowledged the internal legal disputes within the ADC but dismissed concerns that they could affect his decision.
“Yes, I am aware of the legal issues in the party, but that does not change the urgency of the situation on the ground. Security cannot wait for political stability,” he stated.
The senator also reacted to recent remarks by Ahmed Aliyu, who reportedly said efforts to curb banditry in the eastern part of the state were yielding results.
While acknowledging government efforts, Lamido rejected the governor’s assessment, describing the situation in Sokoto East as far from improved.
“I appreciate the efforts being made, but the reality is that our people are still under constant attack. The situation on the ground does not reflect the level of improvement being suggested,” he said.
He painted a grim picture of daily life in the district, noting that many residents now live in fear as attacks by armed groups persist.
“Communities are repeatedly attacked, people are killed or abducted, and many families have been forced out of their homes. Economic activities have almost come to a standstill,” Lamido lamented.
According to him, the security situation has severely restricted movement, even for basic activities.
“Today, many of my constituents cannot travel to Sokoto town without armed escorts, and even that is limited to specific days because of the risks involved,” he disclosed.
Describing the situation as alarming, the senator called for urgent and decisive action from both state and federal authorities.
“We need increased deployment of security personnel, better intelligence gathering, and improved logistics for our security agencies. The response must match the scale of the crisis,” he urged.
He also stressed the need for humanitarian support for displaced communities, alongside long-term strategies to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
“Beyond security operations, there must be serious investment in addressing poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. These are the underlying issues fuelling insecurity,” he noted.
Reaffirming his commitment, Lamido said the safety and well-being of Sokoto East residents must remain the top priority.
“My loyalty is to my people. Their safety comes first, and I will continue to push for every necessary action to restore peace and stability in our communities,” he said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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