Former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has allegedly revealed those behind the persisting scourge of banditry in the Northwest region of the country.
Shinkafi disclosed this in a statement he issued on Saturday.
According to him, some influential politicians are secretly backing the bandits. Thereby, undermining efforts to restore peace in the Northwest region.
Going forward, Shinkafi, who also serves as the Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), supported investigation into activities of politicians in the region.
He, therefore, urged the Defence Headquarters to investigate into the sponsorship of banditry in the North-West.
Shankafi also condemned unscrupulous politicians using banditry for selfish gains. He, therefore, called for a probe into those politicizing insecurity.
According to him, the Defence Headquarters’ investigation into banditry activities in the region is a welcome development.
Shinkafi also praised President Tinubu’s directive that led to the elimination of notorious bandits in Sokoto. He noted that the military’s successes in neutralizing bandit leaders Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Sani Black, Danbaleri Mashekari, and Wala Baburki was commendable.
“This is a welcome development and long overdue in the quest for sustainable peace, security, and development in the region.
“The spate of killings, kidnappings for ransom, destruction of property, imposition of levies and taxes, and displacement of people from their communities by these criminal elements is alarming. It calls for a concerted military effort to crush them and restore national security.
“Anyone found culpable in the probe should face the full weight of the law. This is regardless of their status or position in the country.
“Some unscrupulous politicians have been using banditry as a campaign tool against their opponents for selfish political motives. The Defence Headquarters should also investigate those exploiting the lives and property of innocent people for political gain.
“Other public office holders similarly use the security challenges as conduits to divert and siphon public funds for personal enrichment,” he said.
Shinkafi also defended Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, against blackmail allegations. He praised the Minister’s contribution to the President Tinubu’s administration as excellent.
source: Vanguard
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