The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday in Bauchi, charged governments at all levels to upscale intelligence-gathering techniques.

He was reacting to the killing of over 100 persons on Christmas Eve in two local government areas of Plateau.

Speaking at the closing of the 80th National Islamic Vacation Course, the sultan said proactive intelligence gathering would help to avert such attacks and killings.

He denounced that bandits were always ahead of the security architecture of wherever they operated.

“We always condemn such things, but after condemning these activities by bandits and criminals, what are the roles of the governments that are supposed to protect our lives and property?

“Why can’t we be proactive and stop such attacks before they happen? What happened to our intelligence-gathering mechanisms?” he queried.

Gunmen attacked 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau on Christmas Eve; they killed 162 persons and destroyed 221 houses. The assailants also destroyed eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles.

“In various places, whether it is Sokoto, Birni Kebbi, Kaduna or anywhere, have we lost our sense of gathering information to avert such heinous crimes,’’ said Mr Abubakar.

He added, “We must ask our governments to up the game because these bandits are always a step ahead. Things are politicised, and that is the worst way to go when you politicise insecurity.’’

The sultan also called on Nigerians to charge all leaders at different levels to rise to the occasion, saying things were not right and anything could happen.

“We call on our leaders to fear God, who will ask you what you did with your leadership here on earth,’’ said the sultan.

In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State appreciated visitors and participants of the programme who came from the 19 states in the northern part of the country and the FCT.

(NAN)