‘Bandits’ Penetration Of Kano Will Break North Economic Backbone’

A group known as the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative has stated that the penetration of bandits into Kano, a hitherto safe, secure, and peaceful state, is the final straw that will break the economic backbone of Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Executive Director of the group, Bishir Dauda Sabuwar, said for a long time, Kano has remained the only impenetrable fortress and the last stronghold of Northern Nigeria.

He, however, said with the recent attacks in some communities of Shanono, Bagwai and Tsanyawa local government areas, it is undoubtedly clear that the history is going to be short-changed.

Sabuwar noted that if the emerging security threat is not tamed swiftly, it will be a matter of time before Kano joins the league of frontline states, meaning the whole states of the North-West will be engulfed by banditry and terrorism.

“The grave consequences of Kano being infested with banditry cannot be imagined. This is because Kano is not only the most populous state in Nigeria, but also the economic, learning, and cultural centre of Northern Nigeria, hence all hands must be on deck to prevent it from becoming another bandits’ enclave,” he said.

Sabuwar observed that some self-serving politicians are allegedly trying unwittingly to make political capital out of the prevailing security challenges not only in Kano state but also across the Northern part of the country.

He called on the relevant security agencies to initiate an investigation and find out the truth of the matter, and take necessary action.

“It is a well-known fact that politicisation of security challenges in Nigeria is sabotaging the government’s efforts towards addressing all forms of criminality, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

“In a matter of security that borders on life and death, we expect our Politicians, regardless of their party affiliation, to overlook their differences, end their petty squabbles, unite and confront the hydra-headed monster called insecurity before it consumes the lot of us.

“We call upon the President to disavow those hiding behind his image and urge them to submit themselves to face the music rather than manipulating insecurity for selfish benefits.

“The entire strategy needs to be changed. Any negotiation with bandits should involve disarmament as the first and most important condition. Also, truly repentant bandits must be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

“Another vital point is that the federal government should be on the same page in matters of strategy. Currently, there is no clarity on whether the federal government is backing bandit-community dialogue in some northern states.

“On the other hand, the use of any non-kinetic approach must be comprehensive and holistic with the full backing of governments at all levels,” Sabuwar added.