The Sokoto State Government says it is ready to talk with bandits who are willing to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, said the government is using both military action and peaceful dialogue to fight insecurity.
He explained that not all conflicts end with guns, and stressed the importance of finding long-term solutions that involve local communities.
As part of this plan, the state is building a dam in Kamarawa village. The goal is to help repentant bandits go into farming and animal rearing, giving them other means of survival and supporting lasting peace.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to return some missionary schools to their original church owners.
He revealed this during a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Benin City.
The governor said a committee will soon be set up to look into schools that qualify for handover. However, schools currently under renovation will remain under government control until work is completed.
Bishop Dunia thanked the governor, noting that missionary schools play a key role in academic performance and moral training.
Sokoto State has approved a new survey to find out the real causes of poverty across the state.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey will run from June 19 to July 9, 2025, and will be done in partnership with Redwire Marketing Consulting.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Zayyana, said the survey will focus on areas such as education, health, job opportunities, and living standards.
The results will help the government make better decisions on how to fight poverty and improve the lives of citizens, in line with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda.
