By Uzair Adam
The Sokoto State Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that bandits forced residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area to flee their homes.
Reacting to a viral video on Wednesday, the government said the footage was wrongly interpreted, explaining that although the people shown are from Tidibale, they were not displaced by any bandit attack.
According to the state government, the movement of residents was a temporary and precautionary step taken after a rumour of a possible security threat surfaced in the area.
It explained that the rumour, which caused fear among villagers, was reported by the ward councillor, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.
The chairman, acting swiftly to prevent panic or harm, directed that residents be temporarily conveyed to the local government headquarters in Isa.
The government confirmed that the situation has since been brought under control, noting that the affected residents have safely returned to their ancestral homes in Tidibale.
It added that security agencies have intensified patrols in and around the community to forestall any criminal activity.
As part of measures to further strengthen security in the area, the state government disclosed that it has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base in Tidibale.
The facility is expected to boost security operations and complement existing formations across Isa Local Government Area.
The government reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in rural and security-challenged communities.
It said it would continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and recognised vigilante groups to maintain peace across the state.
It also warned against the politicisation of security matters and urged citizens to support security efforts by cooperating with authorities and exposing informants who aid criminal elements within their communities.