Katsina State under severe bandit attacks daily – Gov Masari

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has lamented how bandits raid 10 out of the 34 Local Government Areas of the state on a daily basis.

The governor was speaking when he received the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, at the Government House, Katsina, on Thursday.

Masari said he was worried about the situation in Katsina, incidentally President Muhammadu Buhari’s state, and appealed to the army chief on the need to beef up security in the state.

The governor called on the security agencies to redouble their efforts so that the military could go back to the barracks while the police assume their law enforcement responsibilities.

“We, here, in Katsina, if we say we are very happy, we are not being honest. We are disturbed with this issue of banditry, accompanied with kidnapping, raping of innocent women, armed robbery on our highways.

“I want technology to be properly deployed to bring this banditry activities under control. We will be deceiving ourselves to say that we will eliminate criminality; it has never been done before, it cannot be done today neither can it be done tomorrow but we can bring it under control in such a way that it does not disturb the way of life of people as we are seeing today.

“10 out of 34 local governments in Katsina State are under severe bandits attacks daily. So, with that in mind, there is no way we can sleep. Our phones are permanently on to hear what is happening in local governments. Before breakfast, I am briefed about what happened last night. So, General, we are not in a very comfortable situation but we thank God.”

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Daily Trust reports that Yahaya appreciated the logistics support and cordial relationship the military enjoys from the government and people of Katsina.

He said he was in the state as part of his operational visit to the North West.

“I am here on operation visit to 8 division and formations and units under command, having assumed command of the Army in May. We all know the circumstances under which it happened when we lost our able COAS then, Maj. Gen Attahiru.

“As usual, after assuming Command, also go to the ground to see troops and interact and see what they are doing, to appreciate them and appreciate their challenges even though we know them, but there is always a difference when you interact one on one.

“I am here to appreciate and thank you, the troops always brief us on the tremendous support they are getting from you in terms of logistics, equipment and more particularly advice, as the chief security officer who knows it all and also feel the pinch.

“I most sincerely thank you for all that and to request Your Excellency not to rest in his continued support.

“We also bring with us more synergy and cooperation with other sister security agencies and even civil authorities where we integrate their knowledge and experience on the ground which are key to our activities,” he said.