Bandits Force Villages In Katsina To Pay For Access To Farms

The recent renewed attacks in some parts of Katsina State have continued to raise concern and uncertainty, especially in the frontline local government areas where the menace of killing and kidnapping for ransom have become the order of the day.

The question begging for an answer on the lips of the people has been what prompted the attack, particularly since the inception of the present administration under Governor Umaru Radda in the state.

I, however gathered from residents of the area as to the reasons behind the resurgence of killings and kidnappings in the state and these were some of the perceptions given.

A resident of Kankara local government area, whose name is withheld, said the bandits recent show of force was to stop the people from going to the farm because of certain perceived ‘offenses’ they have committed against them.

A source and resident of Faskari local government area told me in a chat that already four communities in the area were asked to pay N200,000 to N500,000  to allow them cultivate their farms this year.

He said, “Some communities of Unguwar Danboka, Unguwar Kafa, Unguwar Kwanki and Unguwar Maidawa each are to contribute N200,000, N300,000and N500,000  respectively to them so they can be allowed to go to farm.

“The arrangement was made about two weeks ago, when these communities through the bandits’ link man reached an agreement to allow them cultivate their farms this year. Those asked to pay N200,000 have started paying which has been the main reason why peace started returning to our area.”

When contacted to respond to the question, the commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs,  Hon. Muazu Danmusa, declined comment instead referred us to his spokesman, Turku Dan Ali who as at the time of filling this report was indisposed.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State governor, Umaru Radda, has recently disclosed that the bandits’ recent attacks was connected to the strict measures put in place and logistics provided to the newly recruited Community Watch Corps (CWC) and the security personnel in curbing the activities of the bandits in the state.

He therefore reaffirmed his administration’s commitment in the fight against banditry until normalcy is restored to troubled communities.