Drop Your Weapons & Take Houses, Market Stalls – Katsina Govt. Beg Bandits

A new approach has been adopted by the Latsina State Government, in a bid to end the lingering banditry in the state.

The government has promised bandits houses, market stalls and farmlands, if they are willing to surrender and handover their arms to security operatives.

One of the bandits leaders, Sada had voluntarily surrendered to troops at Forward Operation Base at Dansadau.

He also submitted three AK 47 rifles, one sub-machine gun and two magazines.

The new move by the government was announced by Secretary to Government, Mustapha Inuwa,  during a news conference at the Government House.

He disclosed that the package is for only those, willing to surrender.

Inuwa revealed also that the state had so far supported security agencies with N4.274b, adding that the resettlement  centres near Rugu, Yantumaki, Maidabino and Sabwa/Faskari forests for the repentant bandits was being planned by the government.

He said the centres would  have schools, healthcare centres, markets and farmlands for cattle rearing as well as farming.

He said, ’’We have completed plans for those who accepts to leave to an approved settlement near Rugu Forest, this is part of a design by government to clear the forests from being inhabited by bandits, the committee is set to work on the in needed infrastructure any time from now.

“Some the settlement areas being considered include, Yantumaki-Maidabino forest area and Sabwa/Faskari forests.”

He went on to explain how the N4.274b financial support to security outfits was used.

He said it was used for provision of infrastructure, logistics and payment of allowances of security personnel.

Inuwa also said, “The recent presidential directive on change of strategy, renewed vigor and increased personnel in the military campaign against security challenges in the North-West and Katsina State in particular had led to a reduction in the atrocities of bandits.

“The incidence of armed banditry and kidnapping and other forms of criminalities for ransom have significantly subsided compared to few months back when these incidences were a daily occurrence.”