Kwankwaso Warns: Bandit Attacks from Katsina Threaten Kano Border Communities

The former Kano State governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has sounded a stern warning over the escalating bandit attacks targeting Kano’s border communities from neighbouring Katsina State. Speaking at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Skyline University on Saturday, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in local government areas along the Katsina-Kano border, including Shanono, Bagwai, and Tsanyawa.

According to Kwankwaso, these areas, once considered secure, are now under frequent assault by bandits believed to be crossing over from Katsina. He explained that these criminal groups routinely infiltrate Kano to carry out attacks before retreating back to Katsina, creating a cycle of violence that has sown fear and disruption among residents.

“These bandits originate from Katsina’s neighbouring local governments, cross into Kano to commit crimes, and then return to their bases in Katsina,” Kwankwaso noted. He emphasized the urgent need for decisive federal intervention to halt this flow of criminal incursions and secure the safety of lives and properties in the border areas.

The former governor also criticized reported peace deals in some Katsina local governments, which allegedly provide safe havens for bandits, exacerbating the insecurity that now threatens Kano’s peace. Despite these concerns, Kwankwaso commended the ongoing efforts of Kano State’s government and security personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices in trying to contain the menace.

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He concluded with a call for the federal government to intensify security measures at the borders to prevent further attacks. “While I appreciate the sacrifices of our security forces, the federal government must step in decisively to protect our people,” he urged.

Recent attacks have left villagers in border communities traumatized, with fatalities reported and many displaced from their homes. The Kano State government has already begun tightening security in vulnerable border towns to curb the bandit incursions. However, the threat remains urgent and pressing, underscoring the need for a coordinated and robust response from all tiers of government.