Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto State and member of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, has expressed concern over the escalating banditry in the North-West and North-East regions of Nigeria, stating that it poses a significant threat to food security in the country.
Bafarawa emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s government should prioritize addressing the issue of food security rather than focusing on cabinet ministerial appointments, subsidy, and the economy. He warned that if stringent measures are not taken to curb insecurity, the North will face severe educational setbacks in the next 50 years.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Bafarawa highlighted the closure of numerous primary and secondary schools in Northern Nigeria due to the activities of bandits, describing it as a serious disaster.
While discussions about cabinet appointments and the removal of petrol subsidy have dominated recent discourse, Bafarawa stressed the need for the government to align its priorities correctly. He urged the government to address the issue of food security urgently, as the bandits’ actions are not only resulting in loss of lives but also causing a scarcity of food, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions.
Bafarawa further expressed concern about the declining state of education, stating that the closure of primary schools due to banditry would have long-term consequences. He called for immediate action to be taken to prevent the situation from worsening.
The former governor emphasized that the government should prioritize combating insecurity, particularly food insecurity, as it is a critical matter. Bafarawa urged the government to allocate significant attention and resources to addressing the issue of food security and take proactive measures to alleviate the prevailing crisis.
