Gov. Bala Raises Alarm Over Alkaleri Bloodshed, Seeks Tinubu’s Swift Action

By Alex Sule, Pan Afric Reporters

Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has sounded a fresh alarm over the worsening security crisis in Alkaleri Local Government Area, calling for urgent federal intervention to prevent what he described as a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  in Abuja, the governor disclosed that he submitted a comprehensive security report detailing the scale of bandit attacks ravaging communities in Alkaleri. According to him, the President responded “very positively” and has directed security chiefs to intensify operations in the area.

Governor Mohammed revealed that recent coordinated attacks by heavily armed bandits have led to significant loss of lives and displacement of residents across several communities in Alkaleri, one of Bauchi’s largest and most vulnerable local government areas bordering Plateau, Gombe and Taraba states.

He cited intelligence reports indicating that over 10,000 armed assailants are believed to be operating in forest enclaves within and around Alkaleri, exploiting difficult terrain and border communities to launch repeated assaults.

Local sources and humanitarian actors confirm that thousands of residents have fled their homes in recent weeks, seeking refuge in neighbouring towns. Schools, health facilities and farmlands have reportedly been abandoned, raising fears of food shortages and deeper socio-economic strain if the violence persists.

Security analysts note that Alkaleri’s proximity to forest corridors linked to wider North-East and North-Central insecurity networks makes it strategically vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities.

Governor Mohammed expressed optimism following his engagement with President Tinubu, stating that concrete steps are already being taken at the federal level.

“The President has given very clear directives to the security agencies to reinforce and sustain operations in the affected areas,” the governor said, emphasizing the need for sustained military presence, improved intelligence coordination and aerial surveillance.

The Federal Government in recent months has reaffirmed its commitment to combating banditry and terrorism nationwide, with security agencies intensifying joint operations across several flashpoints in the North.

Bauchi, traditionally considered relatively stable compared to some neighbouring states, has recently witnessed a spike in armed attacks, prompting renewed collaboration between state and federal authorities.

Addressing speculation about his possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Governor Mohammed dismissed the claims as unfounded.

He maintained that he remains firmly within the PDP and rejected suggestions that he is politically isolated. The governor also asserted that the PDP remains stronger and more structured than the emerging ADC coalition.

Political observers interpret the governor’s firm stance as a move to quell internal party tensions ahead of future electoral realignments.

Governor Mohammed stressed that tackling insecurity in Alkaleri requires a multi-dimensional approach — combining military force, community engagement, economic support for displaced persons and inter-state collaboration.

He warned that failure to decisively confront the crisis could destabilize not only Bauchi but neighbouring states, urging all stakeholders to rise above politics in addressing the security emergency.

As security reinforcements are expected in the coming days, residents of Alkaleri and surrounding communities await tangible improvements, hoping federal intervention will restore peace and enable displaced families to safely return home.