Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
As the spate of killings, kidnapping increase daily in the country, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dropped a bombshell, saying that, over 95 percent of bandits attacking some border communities in the state are Nigerians operating from their base in Katsina State.
The governor disclosed this while addressing victims of the recent banditry attacks in Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LG of the state
According to the Governor, intelligence at his disposal revealed that the bandits were not from Chad, Niger or other neighbouring countries as was previously assumed.
Governor Yusuf promised the members of the troubled communities that the state government was working hand-in-hand with security agencies to ensure the safe return of their kidnapped relatives.
Earlier, the Governor was briefed by the Head of the Joint Task Force and Brigade Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brigadier-General Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, at their base in Tsanyawa village.
In his response to the Joint Task Force, comprising soldiers, police officers, Civil Defence officers and Department of State Security (DSS) personnel, the Governor reiterated the continued support of the state government to the fight against banditry.
“We are here to specifically see you, rob minds with you, and encourage you to put in more of your gallantry. This insecurity in Kano at this particular time is new to us.
“Kano has remained one of the most peaceful states in the country, until these bandits began to infiltrate our state from the border towns.
“We are with you (the Task Force officers). We know your sacrifices; and we will do everything within our power to eradicate these cancer called banditry,” he declared.