Katsina State: As Naira Scarcity Ends, Banditry, Kidnapping Return

The re-emergence of banditry and kidnapping for ransom in some parts of Katsina State, has been of great concern since the inflow of cash once more into the hands of Nigerians.

Investigations showed that during the enforcement of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Katsina State and the entire Northwest witnessed a reduction in crime, especially banditry and kidnapping for ransom.

But since the extension of the implementation of the policy and the recirculation of the old Naira notes, these vices are gradually resurfacing.

The most recent, was the abduction of a 3-year-old boy by a 30-year-old suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Abdulaziz of Sabuwar Santa, Musawa Local Government Area of the State,  who despite receiving the sum of N150,000 as a ransom paid, still killed the minor, burying him alive.

The abduction of 60 women and children from the Kucheri, Wanzamai, and Danwuri communities of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Yankara town in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was another ugly tragedy.

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The Katsina State Police Command also made several announcements of repelling attacks carried out by suspected bandits in the state, resulting in the death of three suspected bandits in different operations.

CSP Gambo Isah, who recently mentioned the Command’s troop engagement with the bandits at Sarkin Filani, Danmarke village, Dangwanrwa district of Kurfi LGA, said the Police killed two suspected bandits and recovered a car and one operational motorcycle from the operation.

Likewise, the Command repelled another attack in the Yantumaki town of Danmusa LGA, killed one suspected bandit and recovered one rifle and ammunition during the operation.

Commenting on the issue, the northwest coordinator, of the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG), Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, reaffirmed the reduction of insecurity in the state and Nigeria in general since the introduction of the cashless policy.

He said, “The policy didn’t benefit the masses, but at least we have witnessed a serious reduction in kidnapping and banditry not only in Katsina but the entire country as a result of the cashless policy.

” It is equally something the incoming administrations should work on, for insecurity has been the major challenge of the country. The governor elect, Dikko Umar Radda and the president-elect, Ahmed Bola Tinubu should give insecurity much priority.”

Similarly, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, while addressing journalists after Eid-el- Fitr prayer, confirmed the reduction of banditry and urged the incoming administration to sustain the template by utilising the numerous measures his government put in place to finally end the atrocities.