The Special Adviser on Security Matters to Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to put aside partisan differences and unite in the fight against banditry in the state.

Usman made the call on Sunday in a statement while reacting to recent comments by some opposition politicians on the security situation in Sokoto State, stressing that insecurity should not be politicised.

He said bandits did not belong to any political party and did not discriminate between members of the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, or other political groups when carrying out attacks.

“Bandits have no political party. They do not ask whether their victims are APC, PDP or members of any other party before attacking them. Their victims are ordinary citizens.

“That is why the fight against insecurity must be treated as a collective responsibility. The consequences of insecurity affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

Usman acknowledged the right of opposition politicians to express their views but urged them to ensure that their interventions contributed positively to efforts to protect lives and restore peace.

He particularly commended former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, for what he described as his continued support for victims of banditry and efforts to engage individuals and institutions capable of contributing to the fight against insecurity.

“Senator Aliyu Wamakko has demonstrated that there is a better way to contribute to the fight against insecurity. He has not only supported victims and communities affected by banditry, but has also been reaching out to those who matter, seeking their commitment and support towards finding lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the state.

“We appreciate politicians who have demonstrated genuine commitment to addressing insecurity, irrespective of political affiliation. Their support is important because no single government or institution can defeat banditry alone. We encourage others to emulate such efforts and contribute positively to the search for lasting solutions”, Usman said.

The Special Adviser urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the public to work closely with the government and security agencies.

“Those who have useful ideas or suggestions should bring them forward constructively, while those with the capacity to support security efforts should do so.

“At this moment, what matters most is the protection of lives and property and the restoration of peace across the state,” he said.

He also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information and avoid statements or actions capable of undermining ongoing operations.

He assured that the Sokoto State Government remained committed to strengthening security and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents could live, farm and conduct their businesses without fear.

Some residents and shop owners in Orile, Iganmu, Lagos, have appealed for urgent intervention over persistent refuse accumulation.

They said the situation was affecting businesses, sanitation and daily activities in the community, with some residents also expressing concern about mosquitoes and flies.

The residents made the complaints in separate interviews in Lagos.

At Iludun, Orile, it was observed scattered refuse, dirty water and accumulated waste, with an unpleasant odour around the area.

A fish seller in Iludun said the refuse was affecting her business, as some customers were reluctant to buy fish in an unhygienic environment.

“I’m not happy about how the dirt is blocking my customers from coming to patronise me,” she said.

She said some customers feared flies could contaminate the fish, adding that she had resorted to clearing some of the refuse herself.

The trader appealed to the Lagos State Government to intervene and provide a lasting solution to the waste problem.

Rukkuyat Issac, a resident of Iludun, said the poor condition of the road made it difficult for the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to access the area.

She said the situation had affected waste evacuation and expressed concern about mosquitoes around the community.

“I hope something can be done because it’s really affecting my baby’s health. I have to get treatment for my baby all the time because of the mosquitoes,” she said.

Issac also said she experienced frequent coughing and appealed to the state government to urgently address the situation.

Another resident, Ekene Obi, said the refuse problem had persisted for years, adding that residents often dumped waste there because they had no designated disposal point.

He said residents were often unable to identify those responsible for dumping the waste and called for a sustainable waste disposal arrangement.

At Amukoko Cemetery, along Orile Road, it was observed refuse piled around the road median, obstructing the pedestrian route used to cross the road.

Hawwah, a resident of Amukoko Cemetery, said the last evacuation of refuse in the area was about three weeks ago.

She attributed the situation to inadequate waste bins and irregular waste collection, saying residents sometimes resorted to roadside dumping.

Hawwah said businesses and residents were being affected, particularly when waste accumulated and rainfall caused flooding around the area.

“Customers avoid the area. Nobody wants to buy food from the shops or sit around,” she said.

“When it rains, the whole road is flooded, causing shops around here to lose sales,” Hawwah added.

She also expressed concern about mosquitoes and flies around the refuse and called for improved waste collection services.

LAWMA, in its 2026 Mid-Year Media Parley presentation, said heavy rainfall had affected access in parts of Lagos, slowing truck movement and temporarily delaying waste evacuation.

The agency said the government had responded with road rehabilitation, new disposal platforms, improved truck circulation and stronger evacuation logistics.

The residents, however, called for improved waste collection, adequate disposal facilities and regular evacuation to restore sanitation and protect daily economic activities.(NAN)

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, has rescued 15 persons following a lone road traffic crash involving a DAF trailer with an unknown registration number on Kano-Zaria Road.

The corps said the accident occured at Gadan Yankifi early Sunday morning.

The Sector Commander of the corps, Idris Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen by the Sector Public Education Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, on Sunday in Kano.

Lawal said: “We received a distress call in the early hours of Sunday at about 5:00 a.m. from a concerned member of the public.

“Upon receiving the report, we immediately mobilsed our rescue team to the scene within five minutes.

“The crash involved a DAF trailer conveying passengers and goods.

“15 victims were evacuated to Kura General Hospital for medical attention. No death was recorded in the crash.”

He advised motorists plying the Kano-Zaria Road to exercise patience, reduce speed when approaching the affected area, and obey traffic rules and regulations.

The sector commander also urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel and other emergency responders at the scene.

Lawal assured the general public that efforts were ongoing to completely clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.