Banditry: Telecoms Networks Shut Down in 14 LGAs in Sokoto

Sokoto State government has shut down telecommunications networks in 14 of the 23 local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by Muhammad Bello, special adviser on Media and Publicity to Aminu Tambuwal, the governor.

“About three weeks after it approved an Executive Order in response to the situation of insecurity in the eastern flank of Sokoto State, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Monday disclosed the state’s collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to block services of communications operations and telecoms networks in 14 local government areas of the state,” Bello said.

The LGAs affected by the Executive Order include Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wurno, and Dange Shuni.

Bello stated that 13 of the local governments were initially affected by the Security Challenges (Containment) Order approved on September 1.

He explained that the order led to the closure of some roads to motorists, suspension of animal trades, prohibition of transportation of cattle, as well as transportation of more than three persons on motorcycles and tricycles, among others.

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“In addition to these local government areas, Dange Shuni local government area will also be affected by the latest communications blockade, bringing the number of LGAs affected to 14,” the governor’s spokesman added.

On Sunday, six locals were killed when bandits attacked Saminaka – a village located along the Bale-Tangaza Road in Tangaza, one of the LGAs affected by the Executive Order.

Sources in the village said the village came under attack in the morning and those killed comprised two married women and four children.

The women were reported to have been shot dead when they made an attempt to escape from the assailants.