From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau
Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state has attributed the current armed banditry that has for over a decade been taking the lives of innocent people of north west to the 1976 local government reforms, which ceased power from the traditional rulers across the region.
Masari made the disclosure at the Faskari Army Special Super Camp during his visit to attend the Army Day celebration.
According to the governor and who also happened to be one of the five governors from the north-west zone mostly affected by the banditry, more efforts should be put by the military in order to make the zone a crime fee one.
He explained that more action is needed if the banditry and other crimes are to be successfully wiped out not only in the zone but the entire nation. It is disheartening that this calamity has not been put to rest. I was shocked when on the 5th of this August, I got a report of losing over 80 people who were attacked and killed by these bandits.”
He commented further that his administration will do everything possible within its reach toward providing his people with social amenities and protection against the bandits and other crimes that always scare them and deprive them of the right to live.
Masari disclosed also that he ordered the immediate evacuation of some displaced persons who were sacked by bandits to their respective towns and villages “we decided to do that because we understand that the situation has normalized and we are also planning to provide them with another security by stationing some security operatives to stay with them until total normally is restored,” he added.
