Ex-Katsina SSG condemns increasing killings and abductions by suspected bandits

Former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, voiced alarm over the state’s security climate, saying that killings, abductions and other violent incidents perpetrated by suspected bandits are still affecting numerous communities.

Inuwa made the comments on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held in Katsina.

He noted that many areas across the state are enduring repeated attacks, which have led to loss of life, kidnappings and widespread hardship among residents.

According to Inuwa, banditry remains a major problem in parts of Katsina despite ongoing efforts to curb insecurity.

“No day passes in Katsina without bandits abducting, killing or raping women in the state. Women are being raped in the presence of their husbands by the bandits,” he said.

Inuwa also criticized what he described as a disconnect between official narratives and the lived experiences of people in affected communities.

“But those in authority to tackle the security challenges are even pretending that there is nothing of such happening in the state. This is painful and disheartening,” he added.

The ADC leader urged the federal and state governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to acknowledge the scale of the problem and to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.

He warned that inadequate action could undermine ongoing peace‑building initiatives in the affected areas.

While offering prayers for victims of bandit attacks and those still in captivity, Inuwa stressed the need for decisive measures to curb the activities of criminal groups operating across the state.

“What those in authority are saying is different from what is happening in the state. Since they are claiming that nothing is happening in the state, they will not take action to end the problem. We will continue to pray for God to bring this devastating security challenge to an end,” he said.

Although security agencies have continued operations against armed groups, concerns remain over the impact of the attacks on communities throughout Katsina.