Gov. Radda alleges banditry now business venture for government officials, security agencies. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has raised alarm over the involvement of some security personnel and government officials in turning the insecurity situation in Nigeria into profitable ventures.
Speaking on Friday’s edition of Channels TV’s Politics Today, Governor Radda highlighted the challenges faced in addressing the menace of banditry and insecurity, citing vested interests as a major obstacle.
“It has turned out to be a business venture for the criminals, some people who are in government, and some people who are in security outfits,” Governor Radda stated during the interview. He emphasized the complexity of the issue, pointing out various factors contributing to the prolonged insecurity crisis.
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In recent times, criminal bands commonly referred to as bandits have intensified attacks on rural communities across Nigeria, resulting in widespread incidents of kidnapping and abduction.
President Bola Tinubu has prioritized addressing insecurity, but Governor Radda shed light on deeper-rooted issues such as poverty and injustice as significant motivators for banditry.
Dispelling notions of insecurity being purely politically motivated, Governor Radda emphasized the role of poverty and injustice, noting that many youths in the north are lured into banditry with meager sums as low as N500.
As part of efforts to address insecurity in the region, some northern governors embarked on a trip to the United States, hosted by the United States Institute of Peace.
Clarifying the purpose of the trip, Governor Radda stated, “The meeting was not at the instance of the selected governors of northern states but it was at the instance of the United States Institute of Peace.” He emphasized that the meeting provided fresh insights into the security challenges facing the region, despite facing criticism for holding the meeting outside Nigeria.