Some residents of Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area have dismissed reports claiming that people were relocating in large numbers to other towns due to security challenges affecting the area.
Earlier reports had suggested that residents were leaving the community en masse following repeated attacks.
However, a resident of the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the situation was not as extensive as portrayed in videos circulating on social media.
The source, who requested anonymity, explained that some individuals initially considered relocating, “however, with the presence of army personnel and other security operatives, many had rescinded their decision.”
A public commentator from the area, Altine Guyawa, confirmed that bandits attacked the community on Saturday and that some residents of Bargaja had contemplated leaving the town as a precautionary measure.
Guyawa explained that residents, together with local vigilantes, had previously managed similar attacks, and the arrival of security personnel had strengthened their defensive efforts.
Another source, who also asked not to be identified, said the community had experienced sporadic bandit attacks where security operatives, alongside local residents, “confronted the bandits and both sides suffered casualties, leading to fear among some residents.”
Meanwhile, a security source disclosed that military troops deployed in the area encountered a group of bandits attempting to attack Bargaja village and neighbouring communities within Isa LGA.
The source added that the military’s rapid response team successfully repelled the attack and reassured residents amid concerns about relocation.
He said that after consultations with community members, many residents withdrew their plans to leave the town, noting that the images circulating on social media may have shown only a few people who had earlier relocated.
“The action has demonstrated the effective deterrence and pro-activeness of the Nigerian Army operatives who successfully averted an attack on the villages; the situation at present is stable and under control,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, has assured that a discreet investigation into the incident is ongoing and promised to brief the press on developments regarding the situation.