GOVERNOR Bala Mohammed on Friday raised serious concerns over the escalating activities of bandits in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, warning that the situation could spiral into a major humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken.
News Point Nigeria reports that the governor disclosed this after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he said he briefed the President on the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Mohammed said bandits had become emboldened and were occupying several ungoverned spaces, particularly around the Daji Dam axis in Alkaleri.
According to him, sporadic clashes have occurred between the armed groups and security agencies, but the situation appears to be overwhelming local security structures.
“We have seen clashes and skirmishes between the bandits and security agencies, but it appears that the situation is escalating to a level where it could become a big humanitarian crisis,” he said.
He revealed that many residents, gripped by fear, have begun fleeing to neighbouring states and safer local government areas in search of protection.
Mohammed expressed particular concern that the bandits were targeting economically strategic areas of the state, citing oil and gas prospects as well as ongoing mining activities in the region.
He warned that instability in those areas could undermine investor confidence and derail economic progress in a state that has enjoyed relative peace for nearly a decade.
“Bauchi has experienced significant peace over the last 10 years, which has supported micro and macroeconomic growth and raised our GDP. We cannot afford this negative development at a time of increasing investment interest,” he said.
The governor said he visited the affected areas alongside heads of security agencies in the state before bringing a comprehensive report to the President and seeking special intervention.
He commended President Tinubu for granting him audience without prior appointment and described the President’s response as “very positive.”
“He has already given directives and security agencies have swung into action, similar to what is being done in Kwara and Niger states,” Mohammed stated.
Beyond federal intervention, Mohammed said efforts were underway to convene a security summit involving governors of neighbouring states sharing forest boundaries with Bauchi, including Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe, to develop a coordinated strategy against criminal groups operating across state lines.
The governor reiterated his long-standing support for the creation of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would reduce the burden on federal authorities and enhance responsiveness at the state level.
“Security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government. While state police may be expensive, it is necessary to strengthen internal security architecture,” he said.
Addressing the wave of defections affecting the Peoples Democratic Party, Mohammed insisted he remains a committed member of the opposition party.
“I have always said I am a PDP man. I am here for governance and partnership, not for defection,” he said.
While acknowledging that individual governors may take different political decisions, he maintained that the PDP remains a national force with deep grassroots structures.
“Elections are won at the polling units and locally, not nationally. PDP is still strong and present in every ward and corner of the country,” he added.
Mohammed described the insecurity in Alkaleri as an unfolding situation requiring urgent and coordinated action to prevent further displacement and protect economic interests.