Since the beginning of this year, Katsina state has been experiencing a bitter taste of banditry and other organized crime which has practically stalled farming and other societal development.
The state is like Zamfara, Kebbi Kaduna and Sokoto states who are also battling various insecurity threats which has made North West Geopolitical Zone of the federation most insecure region.
In Katsina state, the most affected areas witnessing unprecedented insecurity unleashed by dreaded bandits and kidnappers are Malumfashi, Bakori, Faskari and Kankara local government areas.
The situation has caused fear and psychological trauma because the people of the affected local government area are at the mercy of armed gangs that move from towns to villages at will, wrecking havoc.
People are gruesomely murdered by these armed bandits while the lucky victims are taken away where ransom are paid by the relatives.
We are not condemning the efforts of government and the security agencies, but the situation appear like the organized security apparatus are not on top of the situation, because the bandits are displaying bravery.
Indeed, they move from house to house, village to village, market to market, with AK-47 rifles openly, purchase foodstuffs, other items and even collect tax from the people.
Sadly, the perpetrators of this heinous crime are known in their respective villages and towns.
About two months ago, Burdugau town in Malumfashi Local Government, came under attack by the Armed Bandits, 11 persons were kidnapped; ten of them were married women and one male, however four were released after paying ransom while the remaining seven are still in captivity.
During the incident, the bandits killed one person popularly known as Uban Sabga, and made away with valuable items including domestic animals belonging to the community, they also compelled people to surrender their money or be killed.
In spite of the heinous crime against the people of Burdugau. The town witnessed yet another extrajudicial killing committed by outlawed vigilante members, allegedly hired by people from surrounding villages.
It was gathered that these Yan’sakai were said to be hired from Bakori local government area to perpetuate the heinous acts, in the process six innocent people were gruesomely murdered within seven days.
As if this was not enough, the Yan’sakai are taking the law into their hands. In fact they break into houses and loot properties belonging to the community. In some cases they burn shops, houses, which made the residents to flee for safety.
Our stand in Burdugau is that we are peace loving and committed citizens of the state, we support government efforts towards eradicating the problem of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminality.
Regardless of the crime agàinst us, we reiterate our support to the effort of his excellency the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda to restore peace in the state. We shall continue to remain resolute and ensure that no one take the law into his hand during this critical moment in the area.
There is need for urgent action to curtail extrajudicial killings exhibited by Yan’sakai particularly those from Bakori local government in the state.
Finally, failure on the side of the government to do the needful, may warrant unwanted scenario, as the affected victims and other people will not watch Yan’sakai unleash mayhem in the name of helping the government to fight banditry and other forms of criminalities in the state.
Sanusi Muhammad, writes from Burdugau, Katsina state
