Nigeria’s Katsina State, notorious for bandit attacks, is facing finger-pointing at its own officials. Governor Dikko Radda, in a recent interview with Channels Television, cast blame on some government officials and security personnel, alleging they have turned banditry into a “money-making scheme.”
“Now it (referring to banditry) has turned into a business venture for the criminals, some people who are in government, some people who are in security outfits, and some people who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of their people,” Radda said in the interview.
Governor Radda made the allegation on Friday, hours after bandits struck in Unguwar Sarkin Noma community in Sabuwa County (Local Government Area) of Katsina, killing no fewer than 24 residents, mostly civilian guards who tried to resist the gunmen’s invasion.
According to the Governor, those tasked with safeguarding the public might be benefiting from the very crisis they are supposed to stop, suggesting a major reason why banditry continues to plague the region. Poverty also plays a part, Radda said. He said a mere N500 (roughly US$1.20) can be enough to lure someone into joining bandit groups.
While Governor Radda denied any political motivations behind the banditry, he acknowledged the challenging landscape and numerous bandit camps within Katsina, underlining the difficulties faced by security forces.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
