Re-securing Nigeria’s Northern States From The Activities Of Bandits -By Mukhtar Garba Kobi

I often bemoan and plunder in the ocean of desperation over the lingering abductions and killings in my dear Northern part of Nigeria as the uncouth act keeps spreading like epidemic. The North is unarguably endowed with both abundant human and natural resources, coupled with fertilized farmlands but insecurity disturbs all while directly hindering developments to reign in almost all sectors. Despite having respected businessmen, influential politicians and representatives in two chambers, yet the end result in the North is seemingly the same; leaders prioritized their loved ones while the mass majority continue to dwell in fear of uncertainties.

It is disheartening to note that just yesterday, several people of Nahuta and Dantsuntsu villages of Batsari LGA in Katsina State planned to go their normal businesses as always not knowing their untimely death and kidnapping are at their door steps. The attack according to eyewitness who claimed anonymity was due to adoption of new strategies and improved efforts by Nigerian army, such prevented bandits from ransacking villages. However, such should be applied in most of the banditry ravaged areas as the outcomes are so far impactful. There would be no meaningful progress when security of lives and properties are not guaranteed, businesses, cultivation of crops and even to sleep with both eyes close would not be possible if unfavored actions are not taken to eliminate bandits.

Unfortunately, in some of the villages in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Southern Kaduna, bandits imposed sone specific amounts on farmers before they are allowed to plant seeds while doing same when harvesting season comes. Just recently, a friend of mine shared pictures of farms set ablaze by bandits just because owners failed to pay the said levy, governments therefore should do something to ameliorate hardships in such areas as hunger knows nobody and could lead to anything. Security as we all know is everybody’s business, there is paramount need for security forces to be collaborating with local vigilantes as they are knowledgeable of bandits’ hideouts. People on their parts should be reporting strange persons, movements or activities in their areas to security agents on time; this would ultimately lead to arrest of such persons before they cause mayhem in communities. May Peace Reign Everywhere. Amen

Mukhtar writes from Bauchi and can be reached via garbakobim@gmail.com