Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara
By Abdul Hassan
Residents of Sabon Birni, Isa, in Sokoto State and Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State are reportedly paying Nigerian soldiers for armed escort to travel.
This follows the escalating spate of banditry in the state coupled with the collapse of key culverts along the Sokoto–Sabon Birni highway, the main road linking the communities to the state capital.
With the highway rendered impassable due to severe flooding and infrastructure damage, commuters are now forced to take risky alternative routes through areas known for bandit activity.
It was gathered that travelers were currently navigating the Gundumi axis, previously closed due to persistent killings and abductions by armed bandits.
The route has been reopened with armed escorts available only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays due to what sources describe as limited availability of security personnel.
According to reports, each vehicle is charged N16,000 for the round trip – N10,000 for the onward journey to Sokoto and N6,000 for the return.
Additionally, drivers must pay N1,500 to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
A commercial driver who spoke on condition of anonymity said the escorts were necessary in spite of the high cost.
“We have no choice but to do this because it’s the only viable route left for us,” he explained.
For residents who are unable to pay for the armed convoy or carrying minimal luggage, an alternative route through Unguwar Lalle is being used.
However, with culverts washed away and parts of the road flooded, travellers must cross a river using boats, paying N500 per person before continuing their journey by road.
“The issue is that some culverts on the Sabon Birni road have collapsed—at three different spots—causing flooding and damaging parts of the road.
“Now people have to cross the river in canoes and then continue their journey on either side by road, paying N500 per passenger.
“There are vehicles waiting on both sides—some going to Sokoto, others to Sabon Birni.
“There’s also another route through Unguwar Lalle that connects to Sokoto, but those with heavy loads can’t use it; they have to pass through Gundumi,” another resident said.
Hon. Sa’idu Ibrahim, member representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed that residents are paying for security escorts.
“I received the report. I believe the soldiers use the money to buy fuel, as they are not officially funded for such operations,” he said.
He noted that local government areas would soon take over the responsibility for escort-related costs, and revealed that the state government is considering the construction of an alternative road.
“Just yesterday, I was in Sabon Birni with the Deputy Governor to assess the situation.
“On my return, I had to use the Unguwar Lalle route,” he said, confirming that the main road had collapsed in three separate locations, now submerged by floodwaters.
However, Hon. Aminu Boza, another lawmaker from the area, denied the reports, stating that they were not accurate.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Makuwana village, Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir expressed concern over the dual impact of flooding and banditry.
He confirmed that the state government was considering the construction of a new access road to Sabon Birni following the destruction of the existing one by floodwaters.
“This will ease movement of people and goods,” Gobir said, assuring residents of continued support in the fight against insecurity.
He also prayed for the victims and called on residents to remain prayerful and resilient.
The village head of Makuwana, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim, while responding, said the community suffered three bandit attacks in one week, resulting in two deaths and the abduction of 49 people.
He also said many residents lost properties to the floods.
“As Muslims, we accept this in good faith, but we appeal to the state government to rescue us,” he said.
