by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a startling revelation, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has blown the lid off a web of corruption and deceit, accusing high-ranking government officials and military personnel of “actively supporting and profiting from the brutal banditry crisis” ravaging the state.
According to the governor, rogue elements within government provide covert support to the bandits and terrorists, enabling them to operate with impunity and perpetuate terrorism against innocent citizens.
Radda, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on April 5, 2024, noted that one bandit organization has more than 100 camps behind the insecurity, attributing it instead to poverty and injustice.
He also expressed skepticism about negotiating with bandits, stating, “It is a business venture for the criminals and a business venture for some people, who are in government, some people whom are in the security outfits, and some people who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of their people.”
According to Radda, “Addressing banditry requires a more effective approach than mere negotiations,” adding, “Poverty has made recruitment into banditry easy. As little as N500 could lure youths.” Governor Radda dismissed any political motivations.
Devastating Attack on Katsina Community Leaves 24 Dead – Even as Governor Radda was making the allegations, a brutal raid by terrorists on the Ungwar Sarkin Noma community in Sabuwa County has claimed the lives of 24 individuals, with several others injured.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday night at approximately 9:00 p.m., saw the terrorists storm into the villages of Ungwar Sarkin Noma, Gangara, Tafi, and Kore, firing indiscriminately to terrorize the residents.
“Despite prior warnings and efforts to alert security agencies, the bandits still managed to carry out the devastating attack,” according to the chairman of Sabuwa County, Faruq Dalhatu.
“County officials had informed various security agencies of the impending attack, and they responded promptly. However, the bandits still managed to infiltrate the community, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life,” Dalhatu told TV reporters.
Recalled that this is not the first time the military personnel are being fingered for aiding, profiting bandits’ activities and giving them cover in Nigeria.