Opinion: Security Claims Must Reflect the Reality Faced by the People of Sakaba.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 26th, 2026.
Recent remarks attributed to the Chairman of Sakaba Local Government, Hon. Dauda Muhammad, during a meeting with APC stakeholders in Kebbi State have generated widespread debate and concern among many residents of Sakaba Local Government.
According to reports from the meeting, the Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Government Security Committee, praised the administration of Governor Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu), stating that security has been restored across Kebbi State and that Sakaba Local Government is free from any significant security threats. He reportedly dismissed contrary claims and criticized anyone who suggested that insecurity remains a problem in the area.
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These statements have been strongly challenged by residents and community stakeholders who argue that they do not reflect the realities experienced by many communities in Sakaba.
For many families living in villages across Dankolo Ward and other parts of the local government, insecurity remains a painful reality rather than a political talking point. Communities have repeatedly reported incidents of bandit attacks, kidnappings, displacement, and loss of lives. These experiences cannot simply be dismissed by official declarations that everything is under control.
One of the incidents frequently cited by residents occurred in Unguwar Wade Pollong, a community of more than 1,500 people. Community members say the village has suffered repeated attacks by armed bandits. They allege that several residents were kidnapped and that large ransom payments were made for their release. They also state that a respected community member, Alhaji Danjuma Dandutse, who was known for assisting victims of kidnapping, was reportedly killed alongside another victim during an attack on the village several weeks later. These accounts, if accurate, demonstrate the human cost of insecurity and the urgent need for stronger security measures.
Residents also point to other affected communities, including Wade, Mesa, Agali, Dulinbu, Chitau, Daura, and Yakar Kasa, where they say people continue to face security challenges. These communities deserve attention, protection, and practical solutions rather than assurances that no problem exists.
Critics have also questioned the nature of the APC stakeholders’ meeting. They argue that the gathering largely consisted of political office holders and government appointees rather than ordinary citizens, community leaders, victims of insecurity, or independent voices. As a result, they believe the meeting did not provide an accurate picture of conditions on the ground.
Politics should never take precedence over the safety and welfare of the people. Regardless of political affiliation—whether APC, ADC, PDP, or any other party—the first responsibility of elected leaders is to protect lives and property. Security is not an issue that should be minimized for political advantage or campaign messaging.
Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also reject suggestions that the APC enjoys overwhelming political dominance in Sakaba Local Government. They argue that the ADC has established a strong grassroots presence and that any election outcome should ultimately be determined by the people through free, fair, and credible elections rather than political declarations made at stakeholder meetings.
Democracy thrives on accountability, honesty, and respect for the intelligence of the electorate. Citizens expect leaders to acknowledge challenges honestly and work collaboratively to solve them. Denying or downplaying insecurity only risks weakening public confidence and delaying the urgent interventions that affected communities desperately need.
The people of Sakaba deserve leadership that listens to their concerns, recognizes their suffering, and prioritizes meaningful action over political rhetoric. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through public relations statements alone.
It requires transparent leadership, effective security strategies, cooperation with security agencies, and genuine engagement with the communities most affected by violence.
Ultimately, the true measure of leadership is not the number of speeches delivered or political meetings held, but whether ordinary citizens can sleep safely in their homes, travel without fear, and pursue their livelihoods in peace. Until every community in Sakaba enjoys that security, many residents will continue to question official claims that the security situation has been fully resolved.
Wrote by Alhaji Ibrahim Dalladi from Sakaba local government.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 26TH JULY)
