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Tag: Banditry

  • Massive shake up hits Zamfara Civil Service after leaked memo showing financing of terrorism, banditry

    Massive shake up hits Zamfara Civil Service after leaked memo showing financing of terrorism, banditry

    Zamfara State has been political turmoil following a leaked memorandum purportedly implicating senior government officials, including the Governor, in the financing of terrorism and banditry. This bombshell revelation has ignited widespread indignation and outrage, both domestically and internationally. The fallout from this explosive expose has led to an unprecedented and abrupt reshuffling of key civil servants across the state, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy.

    Sources within the Zamfara State Government House have revealed that the Governor was visibly incensed upon learning of the leaked memo, which allegedly detailed financial transactions facilitating banditry and further entangling high-ranking government officials in the scandal.

    At the epicenter of the Governor’s anger was reportedly the Commissioner of Finance, who, as the overseer of the state’s financial management, is responsible for orchestrating the movement of accounting staff within the bureaucracy.

     

    A Strategic Move or A Defensive Maneuver?

    In an attempt to mitigate the fallout from the public embarrassment and intense backlash from international human rights organizations, Governor Dauda Lawal swiftly initiated a comprehensive reorganization of civil servants within the state bureaucracy, specifically focusing on the treasury department. This strategic move was formally communicated through a subsequent memo, meticulously outlining the extensive reshuffling of civil servants.

    According to credible sources, the Governor’s office, in an unconventional and unexpected maneuver, sidestepped the Commissioner for Finance and instead entrusted the Head of Service, Ahmad Aliyu Liman, with the sensitive task of orchestrating the “special” redeployment of treasury staff.

    This unusual deviation from established protocol has raised eyebrows, sparking speculation about the motivations behind this decision and the extent of the Governor’s involvement in the treasury department’s affairs.

    The follow-up memo obtained by our investigative team, with the reference number HOS/Z/844/VOL.III, outlines the redeployment of various senior treasury staff, including directors and deputy directors in key financial departments.

    Here are some of the notable redeployments:

    -Idris Bawa (GL-15): Moved from the Accountant General’s Office to a new post in the same office.

    Aminu Musa Gusau (GL-15): Shifted from the Sub-Treasury to become the Deputy Accountant General.

    Isah Garba Nasarawa Godel (GL-15): Appointed Acting Director of Expenditure Control.

    Shehu Balarabe Anka (GL-15): Moved to the IPPIS (Salaries) department as Acting Director of Funds.

    The comprehensive reshuffling affected over a dozen senior civil servants, many of whom held critical positions in the state’s financial management and control systems. Sources inside the government claim that these postings are part of a broader move to sanitize the state’s financial sector in line with civil service reforms. However, the sudden nature of the redeployment raises questions about its true intent.

    An Act of Reform or Damage Control?

    Interestingly, the Commissioner of Finance, typically entrusted with overseeing the assignment of accounting staff within the state bureaucracy, was conspicuously bypassed in this reshuffling exercise. According to well-placed sources, this decision stemmed from a profound lack of confidence in his office, coupled with deep-seated concerns that sensitive documents may continue to surface in the media.

    The strategic redeployment of key financial personnel coincides with escalating suspicions that the Governor’s office is endeavoring to conceal the damning allegations outlined in the initial leaked memo.

    While the government asserts that these personnel changes constitute part of comprehensive financial sector reforms, critics vehemently argue that the Governor’s true intention is to insulate himself from intensified scrutiny. The timing of this reshuffling has also raised significant concerns. If, as the Governor’s office maintains, the initial allegations of financial support to bandit leaders were entirely fabricated, it beggars the question: why the apparent haste to reassign key staff and prevent further leaks?

    The emergence of the leaked documents has galvanized international and local organizations to demand a thorough, impartial investigation into the state’s financial dealings.

     

    Zamfara’s Dark Web of Terrorism Links?

    Zamfara State’s troubles have intensified with the surfacing of fresh allegations linking Governor Dauda Lawal to Farouq Abdulmutallab, the infamous perpetrator of the 2009 ”ailed terrorist attack. Although the specifics of this purported link remain unsubstantiated, the mere mention of Abdulmutallab’s name in conjunction with Zamfara’s escalating crisis has significantly exacerbated suspicions of the Governor’s involvement in terrorism financing.

    Local leaders and astute political observers are gravely concerned that should these allegations be validated, Zamfara, already a volatile hotbed of banditry and insecurity, may descend into even greater instability.

    The confluence of events – the leak of sensitive documents, the ensuing reshuffling of key personnel, and the Governor’s alleged ties to global terrorism – raises profoundly disturbing questions about the quality of governance and security apparatus in the state.

    The potential implications of these allegations are far-reaching, threatening to undermine the fragile stability of the region and perpetuate an environment conducive to terrorist activities.

    Political Fallout and the way Ahead

    To date, the Governor’s office has remained conspicuously silent, failing to issue an official statement addressing the leaked memo or the recent reshuffling, beyond the dubious assertion that these measures constitute part of broader “civil service reforms.”

    Nevertheless, pressure continues to intensify from diverse quarters, with numerous voices demanding the Governor’s immediate resignation and a comprehensive, impartial investigation into the financial transactions of the Zamfara State Government. The strategic redeployment of key treasury personnel may temporarily appease certain elements within the government, but it will do little to dispel the pervasive specter of alleged corruption and complicity in terrorist activities now hanging over the state administration.

    As the situation continues to unfold, attention remains fixed on Zamfara State, with all eyes watching for developments.

    The true intentions behind the government’s actions, whether genuine reform or an intricate cover-up will likely become increasingly transparent as investigations progress, shedding light on the veracity of the allegations.

    The Unanswered Questions

    The question remains: if the initial memo alleging the Governor’s collusion with bandit leaders was indeed fabricated and tampered with, why the abrupt shift in focus towards preventing government document leaks, implicitly acknowledging the veracity of the prior accusations?

    The swift reshuffling of civil servants and the deliberate bypassing of the Commissioner of Finance in this process betray a state of palpable panic and desperation, suggesting a frantic endeavor to reassert control and contain potential damage. This sudden and drastic action raises more questions than answers, casting doubt on the Governor’s professed innocence and fueling speculation about his actual involvement in the allegations.

    The haste with which the Governor’s office has moved to reorganize key personnel and sidestep established protocols implies a profound sense of vulnerability, underscoring the likelihood that the initial memo struck closer to truth than initially acknowledged.

     

    The Governor of Zamfara stands at a precarious juncture, faced with a daunting decision that will determine the fate of his administration and the state’s role in combating terrorism. The recent reshuffling, ostensibly presented as a facet of civil service reform, appears to be a strategic maneuver aimed at mitigating the fallout from the damning allegations contained in the leaked memo.

    As clamors for accountability intensify, both domestically and internationally, the leadership of Zamfara State teeters on the brink of collapse, its credibility severely compromised. The citizens of Zamfara have lost faith in Governor Dauda Lawal’s ability to ensure their safety and security, which now seems an elusive dream on the verge of extinction.

    The state’s pleas for help have become a desperate cry, borne out of frustration and despair. The people’s aspirations for a leader who would usher in an era of peace and stability, freeing them from the scourge of insecurity, have been cruelly dashed.

    The lingering questions remain: Will terrorism ever be eradicated in Zamfara State? Will a worthy leader emerge to rescue its people from this abyss of fear and uncertainty?

  • BANDITRY! Gunmen kidnap 20 travelers along Ijebu/Sagamu expressway

    BANDITRY! Gunmen kidnap 20 travelers along Ijebu/Sagamu expressway

    No fewer than twenty travellers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

    The travellers were on Sunday ambushed around the Sagamu area command of the Nigeria Police Forces and Ilishan township.

    A resident and chairman of the Ilishan Development Council, Wemmy Osude, told a Television station, that a victim was shot in the knee during the incident.

    He confirmed that one of the victims, a resident of Ilisan Remo, is receiving medical treatment at Babcock University Teaching Hospital after being shot on the kneel by the suspected gunmen.

    “Information reaching me right now confirmed a kidnapping incident between the Area Command and Ilisan City Gate, a resident was reportedly shot in the knee and is receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital. Other victims were taken into the bush,” he said.

    Osude added that he had spoken to the resident receiving treatment.

    “He is in a stable condition,” he said.

    He also mentioned discussing the incident with the Sagamu Area Commander, expressing hope that security agents would pursue the criminals and rescue the abducted individuals.

    Speaking on the incident, police public relations officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed three armed robbery incidents and the adoption of a driver.

    The Divisional Police Officer of Ikenne, Division has responded to a suspected Armed robbery incident, which occurred at about 1910 hours of 30th June, 2024 with the following information gathered, an abduction incident occurred near Delabo Junction along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.”

    “A group of unknown armed individuals, without definite number, in their unregistered Venza Toyota car, trailed a man in his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, grey colour with license plate number – Lagos – AGL-16-JE, to a rough patch of the road, and blocked the victim’s vehicle. The criminals fired four rounds of ammunition believed to be from an AK-47 into the driver’s back tyre and another shot into the front tyre. Immediately, the hoodlums alighted from their vehicle, forced the driver of the Toyota Rav 4 into their waiting Venza Jeep, and sped off towards Ijebu-Ode.” she said

    “During the incident, the hoodlums also shot at a driver, of a Toyota Camry car, black colour, whose name is yet unknown, with license plate number – Lagos – AAA-04-JB, inflicting injury on his left leg as he attempted a U-turn.”

    “Additionally, a bus driver travelling from Abuja to Lagos in the Ilisan area was stopped by the criminals, who smashed his bus windscreen and collected his mobile phone after warning him to be cautious as he was not their target.”

    The other injured driver has been promptly taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan for treatment and is currently responding to treatment.

    “No lives were lost but the two vehicles damaged by the fleeing suspects have been recovered and towed to the police station”

    “further updates will be communicated to members of the public, as the identity of the kidnapped victim is yet unknown.

    “the Commissioner of Police CP Alamutu Abiodun has been briefed and he has detailed the Anti Kidnapping unit to take up the investigation” she stated.

  • We’ve reduced banditry by 70% – Radda

    We’ve reduced banditry by 70% – Radda

    Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State,  said his administration has reduced banditry to about 70 per cent in the last one year.

    According to the Governor, this was sequel to the robust synergy between the  local security outfits and the conventional security agencies across the state.

    Radda, who was on a working visit to Yola, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Saturday.

    He said, ”It is high time to have state Police included in the fight against insecurity in the country.

    “We have reduced the rate of banditry to about 60 to 70 per cent. What we are witnessing now is the crazy approach by the bandits going to hard-to-reach villages close to forests, burning houses and killing people.

    “We have developed strategies to fight it”, he said.

    Radda further explained that most of the developing countries have state Police that secure lives and properties.

    He urged governments at all levels to prioritise education for the development of the sector in Nigeria.

    Radda said, ”This will give opportunity to the less privileged, to access quality education at all levels.”

  • Kidnappers must be treated as terrorists – President Tinubu

    Kidnappers must be treated as terrorists – President Tinubu

    Due to incessant banditry attack and the rate of Kidnapping  in the country, president Tinubu has declared that people involved in the act must be treated as terrorists.

    The president made this comment on Tuesday during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    “We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

    The dinner was attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

  • Gov Sani unravels root causes of banditry in Kaduna

    Gov Sani unravels root causes of banditry in Kaduna

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has identified poverty and unemployment as the root causes of the prevailing banditry and kidnapping challenges in the North-West region.

    Sani made this known on Monday at Government House.

    The Governor emphasized that good governance was crucial for effectively addressing these security issues.

    He acknowledged the ongoing military actions against banditry, with the Defence headquarters supporting the establishment of two Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) in key locations.

    However, Sani highlighted the importance of a non-kinetic approach, emphasizing the role of good governance in addressing the economic problems leading to insecurity.

    The Governor announced a $28 million support from Kuwait to tackle the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Kaduna.

    He stressed that a holistic approach, including educational reforms, support for farmers, and increased productivity, is essential for eradicating poverty and, subsequently, insecurity in the region.

    In addition to military interventions, Gov. Sani revealed plans to establish a Security Trust Fund, allowing private sector collaboration to enhance security efforts.

    He underscored the need for good governance, citing the high number of out-of-school children in the state as a pressing concern that requires urgent attention.

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna Elders’ Forum, led by Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory.

    They commended his focus on rural development, noting that positive outcomes have already been observed.

    They said Sani’s advocacy for good governance as a crucial element in the fight against insecurity, reflects a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate military challenges and the underlying economic factors contributing to the region’s instability.

  • Affliction strikes Nigerians the second time – By Owei Lakemfa

    Affliction strikes Nigerians the second time – By Owei Lakemfa

    Iam walking back from the position of many Nigerians that these are the worse of times for the country. It would have been difficult to dispute what appears to be a truism. We are buffeted by rampant cases of terrorism, banditry and sectarian violence. Inflation is over 20 per cent, we became the poverty capital of the world, one of the most corrupt with one of the most inept leadership in the world.

    In a sense, we are to blame for the debilitating currency crises we find ourselves today which has further impoverished us.

    When we have a government which is not only incapable of refining the petroleum product needs of an oil-rich country, but is so inept that it cannot even distribute imported fuel, how can we assume it would deliver on a currency change? How on earth did we expect a donkey to carry the load a camel cannot carry just because it brags around about its prowess. Even if it makes claims of a glorious past, does common sense not teach that we should interrogate that past? As a local saying goes: why can’t we borrow ourselves some sense?

    Let me openly admit that despite the disastrous implementation of the currency change which is pushing the populace into anarchism and revolt, this exercise is far more humane than a similar one undertaken from April 1, 1984 by General Muhammadu Buhari, as he then was. While Nigerians were given 90 days with effect from December 15, 2022 to swap their old currency for new ones, back in 1984, they were given only 12 days! That currency change operation had all the trappings of a coup. Many who spent two thirds of the currency change window queuing and sleeping at the banks, could not change their currency.

    I recall somebody I knew in that 1984 currency change who had a huge sum of money – I think N12,000 or N14,000 – and despite strenuous efforts, could not change his money. As the deadline got close, rather than watch his money become worthless, he dashed to the Volkswagen of Nigeria on Badagry Road, Lagos to offload the cash on it as payment for a new Passat car he did not need.

    He was ‘smart’ as many, especially traders, watched their money become worthless. Who knows how many went into depression, and how many went to early graves.

    I repeat that this time, Nigerians are luckier as they not only had a far longer period to change their money, but also have mobile banking, transfers and ATMs. Another major luck Nigerians have this time was that many could at least deposit their money in the banks even if they have no immediate access to it.

    There was the normal Nigerian saga that went with that 1984 currency change. The Buhari junta had decreed that during the exercise every suitcase arriving in the country should be inspected no matter the status of the owner. This ostensibly was to ensure that Naira stashed abroad was not smuggled into the country to be changed. But during the period, 53 suitcases which arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport were escorted out by armed soldiers without Customs check. The soldiers were allegedly sent on the operation by Major Mustapha Jokolo, the then Aide-de-Camp, ADC, to General Buhari.

    Current Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the then Area Controller of Customs in charge of the airport. He recalled that the “soldiers who came to pick the suitcases were rude, crude and threatened Customs officers who had insisted on inspecting the suitcases”.

    That was a regime of impunity, and if you ask me, that culture and style, remains part of the Buhari administration.

    This is President Buhari’s second time as Head of State; the first was as a military dictator. He has also been Petroleum Minister twice. He seems determined to repeat the programmes of his first ‘term’ for which he was booted out.

    Another of his cyclic programmes was border closure. He shut all the country’s borders indefinitely from April 1,1984 in the name of protecting the country’s economy. It was done in vain. I recall having some friends teaching in Kankon, a town at the Seme Border. On a visit during this infamous closure, one of my hosts sent a young man to buy alcoholic drinks across the border in Benin Republic. I thought the border was closed and asked how he expected the young man to cross it. My friend laughed and said I was repeating an official line, as normal commercial activities were going on, except that with the ‘closure’ it had become costlier. He added that if I could put a three-storey building on rollers, he would roll it across the border.

    In August 2019, Buhari repeated his border closure programme ostensibly over the illegal importation of drugs, arms and agricultural products, especially rice from neighbouring West African countries. Four months later, he ordered the reopening of four land borders.

    So, in a sense, we are luckier this time because the borders were closed for only four months. In contrast, the borders closed in 1984 were not reopened until 20 months later; that is four months after his overthrow.

    In analysing Buhari’s bouts with border closures, Africa’s leading border expert, Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju submitted that Buhari’s failed border policies are due to “his own administration’s self-inflicted conservative police-state approach to border management based on obsolete use of state coercion apparatuses that permit police brutality; inspired by a negative ultra-nationalism and indulging in inherently impracticable tradition of unilateral border closure”. The border closures, he added, also violate basic human rights, especially of border communities and Nigeria’s obligations to neighbouring sovereignties.

    So, if Buhari has such a past, including retroactively executing drug offenders, a proclivity for clannish policies, intolerance of contrary views, sense of impunity and repeating the same policies, using the same methods but expecting different results, why did Nigerians return him to power as an elected President?

    Spanish philosopher, George Santayana may have an answer: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill has a not too dissimilar view: “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

    Revolutionary philosopher and political economist, Karl Marx might have had Nigeria and Buhari in mind when he argued: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” By this he meant that humans who do not learn from their mistakes, are bound to repeat them with tragic consequences. Prophet Nahum said: “affliction shall not rise up the second time…” (1:9). But in Nigeria, it did. What we must do is ensure it does not arise a third time.

  • Naira Redesign has reduced Banditry, Kidnapping – Emefiele

    Naira Redesign has reduced Banditry, Kidnapping – Emefiele

    Following the scarcity of new notes that has hit the nation as a result of Naira redesign, Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, on Tuesday, appealed to lawmakers and Nigerians to demonstrate understanding, insisting that the apex bank was out to fight the incidence of insecurity in Nigeria.

    The CBN Governor, added that the kidnapping and bandity has greatly improved in the country due to Naira redesign.

    He stated this during the call in Abuja before the House of Representatives’ fact-finding ad hoc committee on the scarcity and the deadline for the old Naira notes.

    Emefiele urged those affected by the policy to bear with the apex bank, while urging Nigerians to comply with all directives.

    He said, “At this initial stage, there will be hitches, but it’s to make the Nigerian economy better and stronger.

    “The redesigned naira notes and CBN’s cashless policy has moderated inflation in the country and curtailed the activities of kidnappers and bandits.

    “Inflation is moderating, the exchange rate is stable, and we’re hoping that the naira can be stronger.”

  • Banditry: Zamfara Govt announces total ”lockdown” in 3 LGAs

    Banditry: Zamfara Govt announces total ”lockdown” in 3 LGAs

    The Zamfara Government, on Friday, announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the resurgence of bandit attacks on communities.

    The lockdown is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara on Friday in Gusau.

    ”The government announces a lockdown in nine major towns to stop the spate of the attacks on such communities in the affected areas.

    ”Theese are Yarkofoji, Birnin Tudu, Rini, Gora Namaye, Janbako, Faru, Kaya, Boko and Mada towns.

    ”Government also announced the closing down of markets in Danjibga and Bagega as well as
    Colony to Lambar Boko Road, Bakura to Lambar Damri Road and Mayanchi- Daki Takwas to Gummi Road.

    ”Others are the Daki Takwas to Zuru Road, Kucheri- Bawaganga – Wanke Road, Magami to Dangulbi Road and Gusau to Magami Road.

    ‘The measures were taken to facilitate the efforts of security operatives in flushing out criminal elements in those areas,” the government said.

    Gov. Bello Matawalle also ordered the immediate suspension of all APC meetings and activities as part of his government concern and sympathy to the affected people and communities.

    “Stakeholders invited for the Friday APC Stakeholders’ Meeting are hereby advised to hold on for a new date for the meeting.

    “Furthermore, government has suspended all political activities in the state till further notice.

    “Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect,” Dosara added.

    The state government said the decision is without prejudice to anyone, is intended to arrest the situation before it went out of control.

    “Government is saddened and worried about the re-surgence of the activities of bandits and the recent killings of some innocent people in Gusau, Tsafe, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka Bungudu, Maru, Maradun and Kaura Namoda local government areas.

    “Government is also touched by the killings of some of our gallant security operatives who lost their lives in our defense.

    “Government therefore, condoled with the families of the victims of the bandits’ attacks and prayed for the repose of the departed souls”.

    The state government directed security operatives to deal with those found violating the orders.

  • Worst of insecurity is over in the country – FG

    Worst of insecurity is over in the country – FG

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has posited that the era of kidnapping,  terrorism, banditry and killings is almost over in the country.

    FG stated that the worst insecurity is over in the country, saying relative peace is now being enjoyed in the country.

    Nigeria’s minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed made the government’s position known at a press conference on Nigeria’s security in Abuja on Monday.

    The minister said the military and other security agencies have succeeded in restoring security across the nation.

    “As you are all aware, the issue of security has dominated our national discourse in recent times, against the background of the terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the North-East, North-West and North Central; separatist violence and crude oil theft in the South-East and South-South as well as cultism, armed robbery and sundry crimes in the South-West.

    “Today, we are here to tell you that while we may not be there yet, our military and other security agencies have succeeded – and are succeeding – in substantially restoring security across the nation. As far as the daunting security challenges we face are concerned, we can tell you that the worst is over. Never again will terrorists and bandits and their cohorts hold sway in our country.

    “The security challenges we have faced, as an administration, have been daunting – from terrorism to banditry to kidnapping to separatist violence to crude oil theft to armed robbery and sundry crimes. It’s undoubtedly the greatest challenge to the peace and security of our great nation since the civil war from 1967 to 1970.

    “It is the kind of challenge that would have overwhelmed many nations. But thanks to the purposeful leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, we can say, I want to repeat, that the worst is over and peace and security are gradually returning to the land. Please don’t misunderstand or misrepresent this assertion. We may still witness isolated cases of security challenges here and there, but it will not be on the scale that we have witnessed in the past.

    “Some said the security challenges have overwhelmed the military, but the military has now demonstrated that no group of ragtag criminals can ever overwhelm them. Terrorists and bandits and co can run but cannot hide, and this has been demonstrated by the arrest of those who attacked a church in Owo.

    “These criminals can run but cannot hide, as we have seen in the decimation of the cowards who ambushed the Brigade of Guards troops in Abuja. I am sure you will hear from my colleagues how our military and other security agencies have been decimating the top echelon of ISWAP and Boko Haram, how armed bandits camps and resources have been destroyed, and how the capacity of IPOB/ESN has been substantially degraded.

    “We are therefore not saying the battle is over. No. What we are saying is that our military and other security agents have been able to contain the daunting security challenges we face and that the worst is indeed over. We have now put the terrorists, bandits and their ilk on the run and we will not relent until they have been crushed,” He said.

  • Banditry: Parents withdraw children from schools out of fear in Zamfara

    Banditry: Parents withdraw children from schools out of fear in Zamfara

     

    The banditry activities ravaging Zamfara State for over a decade have forced indigenes of the state to be suspicious of any strange face, especially in rural areas.

    Many people living in the Damba area of Gusau, the state capital, have been vacating the axis as it has become a bandits’ den, with terror attacks being unleashed unabated.

    Many parents have withdrawn their children from schools for fear of being kidnapped.

    Some residents in Gusau, the state capital, have expressed serious fear that with the rate the bandits were operating in many villages inside Gusau Local Government Area, they may eventually penetrate the Gusau metropolis.

    The banditry activities have collapsed almost all sectors including education as many parents have withdrawn their children from schools.

    A student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of the state, popularly known as Kingsley said he was supposed to have completed his Higher National Diploma (HND) in four years but he is now spending six years due to insecurity.

    “Every time the school management would close down the school and send students on compulsory break,” he lamented.

    According to him, it was no longer news that the education sector had totally collapsed in the state especially when the education calendar has been totally altered due to the insecurity situation.

    Between 2019 to date, available records, revealed that four government secondary schools have been attacked by the ravaging bandits and hundreds of students were kidnapped even though none was killed.

    The local governments where these four government secondary schools were located are Anka, Bakura, Maradun, and Talata-Mafara.

    This development has no doubt, caused a lot of setbacks in the education sector in the state, a development that led many parents to withdraw their children from boarding schools across the state.