OPHD Commended For Rescuing Kidnapped Victims And Restoring Peace To Goronyo Local Govt Of Sokoto State.
By Helen Udoh, Outlook media ABUJA.
The Chairman of Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State ably represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Isah has expressed satisfaction in the special operations carried out by OPHD in stemming the tide of insecurity and has commended them for rescuing a good number of kidnapped victims since the operation was launched.
Isah made this known when the Defence Correspondents on a tour was accompanied by the Garrison Commander, 8 Division, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi to the hinterland of Forward Operating Base (FOB), Sector 3, Skokoto to interact with the locals, rescued victims and troops stationed there to stop the activities of banditry in the area.
“The insecurity in this area in the last two to three years was horrible, but now, because of personnel on ground to oversee this situation and carry out operational exercise, the banditry is reducing.
“Although the local government too has contributed a lot to see that security agencies conduct operational exercise effectively. We provide them with logistics and human support. Alhaji Isah Stated.
“The security committee of the local government comprises of ex-soldier, ex-police men and vigilante. With this combination of the security agencies we all believe that they can help improve the security situation of this local government. This is the first time they witness a senior military officer coming all the way from Abuja to Sokoto and to Goronyo LG and the purpose is known to everybody.”
Adding, the council boss revealed that, “Some few months back some military operatives came here purposely for that operation, I don’t know where they came from, but I believe it was a federal government initiative. When they came to Sokoto they were sent to this area, and they did well.
“They rescued more than 10 people from the bushes, and the next day, they went again and rescued other people. The state governor has instructed us, I mean the LG and himself purchased food stuffs and distributed to all the victims. This is exactly what is happening today. I must also added that Captain Magaji is doing well, even in the night he calls the chairman and myself that this is what is happening in the bush.
“The LG and the state government are doing their best to help the security agencies. I believe you are not in Sokoto when the Executive Governor of Sokoto His Execellency Dr. Aliyu Amad Sokoto, distributed more than 23 operational vehicle to security agencies. And he distributed more of this number to the military to conduct operations in rural areas.” Alhaji Isah narrated.
On this premise, one of the kidnapped victims, Pastor Sunday Edeh briefed the Defence Correspondents and commended the operatives of the OPHD for rescuing him and many other kidnapped victims.
“In August 2020, I was the first person they came and kidnapped, but by the grace of God, I was rescued. Even when they came to the market here, I was in the market and they were shooting, but God really saved me.
“I want to thank especially Captain Magaji. He is very active with full of energy, doing his work. I want to also thank other security agencies for doing their work. As you can see I am not an indigene here, but now I can sleep and wake up without fear. Because this place is now peaceful since the presence of these soldiers.” Rescued Victim Edeh narrated.
Another rescued victim in Goronyo, Lami Dahiru narrated her ordeal at the kidnappers’ den.
“They came our community at night and kidnapped me along side four members of my community. They asked me where is my husband, I told them that my husband is late. I realized that If I tell them I am married they would torture me more.They threatened to kill me if didn’t tell them the truth. I told that my husband died six months ago and I have not remarried.
“We walked in the forest without food or water till morning nonstop. The next day we continue walking till dawn. They said if our family members didn’t bring the ransome they requested they would kill us. They said today is the last day.
All of a sudden we heard sound vehicles. Lo and behold it was soldiers. They now asked us to stand up. We wanted to run away but they surrounded us. When the soldiers started shooting they became confused ran away one after the other. Some of the soldiers chased them into the forest while others rescue us and took us to a medical facility where we were rehabilitated.
Meanwhile, General Tawasimi earlier in his address to newsmen disclosed that the operational activities in Sector 3 covers the general areas of Sokoto. “Our activities involves safety of life and property in the state, and you know the security situation here has to do with violent extremists and insurgency which we are trying to tackle.
“Like you know also, Sokoto state is not the epicenter of banditry, the epicenter of the activity is Zamfara and Katsina. Sokoto, because we share boundary with Zamfara, we see more activity in the general areas of Isah, Goronyo and Sabon Birni who share boundary with Zamfara state.
“This does not mean we do not have operational activities across the border. We have banditry activities across the border lines with Niger Republic who cross the border to perpetrate their criminal activities.”