By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Top security experts in Sokoto has described as stale and misleading the ongoing video circulating in social media depicting mass exodus of people from Sokoto community because of insecurity.
The video which first surfaced online early this year showed panic women and their wards moving in drove from Tidebale ward and other neighboring villages of Isa local government, Sokoto East Senatorial district.
Setting the record straight, locals said the misleading video was made when security personnel escorted those communities to a safer place in response to a threat posed to their lives by the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Operation Fasan Yamma, Major General Paul Koughna led troops to the affected areas and deployed sufficient security to the general area.
The villagers who confirmed having returned to their respective communities and have enjoyed peace since then added that they have also continued their agricultural activities without hindrances from anybody.
Some of those who fled to Isa town and neighbouring Shinkafi in Zamfara State, for safety said they are happy being back to their ancestral home, hence nothing is as good as being in your personal abode.
"When the warning came, it deepened an already fragile security situation in Sokoto East, where rural communities remain vulnerable. All of us, both women, children and the elderly were displaced.
"We really suffered within that period of forced exile. Some sleeps in overcrowded homes of relatives. Others in makeshift shelters. We left everything behind then. But thank God we are back now", one of the former displaced persons s
poke out. NNL.