Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State on Sunday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated seven North-West governors, including himself, to end banditry in the zone.

Bagudu, who is also the Chairman, APC Governors’ Forum, made the disclosure at the continuation of a Fulani Stakeholders’ Peace, Security and Unity Meeting held in Birnin-Kebbi.

The Governor said the president’s directive was to ensure the urgent restoration of normalcy in the region.

He stated that the President was fully committed to adequately protecting the lives and property of all law abiding and peaceful citizens of the country.

Kebbi abduction: I will storm forest with rescue team, I was elected to take such risk – Gov Bagudu

Bagudu acknowledged the relentless efforts of the military and the other security agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

He pleaded to Nigerians to be less apprehensive in confronting the enemies of peace and unity, saying: “They’re a negligible few and we should all brace the odds.

“The issue of ensuring security in the nation is a collective responsibility and as such all hands must be on deck in this direction,“ he said.

Bagudu also reiterated his earlier pledge to lead the rescue efforts of the abducted students and staff of the Federal Government College (FGC) Birnin Yauri.

Recall that suspected bandits had on Thursday, June 17 invaded the unity college and abducted some teachers and an unspecified number of students.

However, a military team has so far rescued about 11 of the abductees.

The governor said: “We were not elected only to stay in the office, but to do anything to safeguard lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.

“We have to do everything to guarantee peace, unity and security even to the extent of sacrificing our lives as ordained by religious scriptures.”