A recent report by the Gobir Development Association , a group of professionals in Sabon birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has revealed that the community has paid an astonishing #160 billion in levies and ransom payments to bandits. The staggering figure was disclosed in a press statement signed by the association’s chairman, Idris Alhassan Gatawa, and secretary professor Aliyu Gobir.
The statement ,made available to journalists on Saturday also noted that additional #2 billion was lost to armed bandits. The group’s report comes in the wake of recent abduction and killing of the district head of Sabon Birni , Muhammad Bawa,who was taken along Sabon Birni-Sokoto Road after attending an official engagement in the state capital.
The Gobir development association has condemned the escalating insecurity in the area, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the crisis . The group’s report highlights the devastating impact of banditry on the community , with widespread fear , displacement, and economic hardship resulting from the persistent attacks” .
