Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has raised alarm over increasing bandit activities in parts of the state.
He warned that criminal groups are taking control of ungoverned forest areas and forcing residents to flee their communities.
The governor disclosed this on Friday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the state house in Abuja, where he presented a report on the worsening security situation in Alkaleri local government area.
Mohammed said bandits operating around forest areas bordering Taraba, Gombe, and Plateau states have become emboldened, leading to frequent clashes with security operatives and creating fears of a looming humanitarian crisis.
He noted that many residents have abandoned their homes due to persistent attacks and insecurity, stressing that security agencies appear overwhelmed by the situation.
According to him, President Tinubu responded positively to his request for intervention and has already issued directives to security agencies to address the crisis.
The governor also called for a joint security summit involving Bauchi and neighbouring states to tackle banditry in the forest regions, while reiterating his support for the establishment of state police to improve local security response.
Mohammed, however, dismissed speculation that his visit to the President was linked to plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that he remains committed to the party.
