A traditional ruler, the district Head of Batsari in Katsina State, Alhaji Tukur Mu’azu, has lamented that bandits who escaped from the military onslaught in Zamfara State are now relocating to Katsina State, especially to communities and villages within Batsari Local Government Area of the State.
The district head gave the names of the communities where the bandits are now erecting their tents and hiding as Yaso Duba, Sabon-garin Dunburawa, Baking – Ragi and Labor.
According to the district Head, the relocation of the bandits to Katsina state was due to the pressure on them in the forests of Zamfara and Katsina States.
He explained that the affected communities are seriously suffering from security threats as the residents are not be able to harvest their crops because of the fear of bandits in the areas.
Alhaji Mua’zu appealed to the security chiefs to deploy more security operatives to the affected areas so that farmers can harvest their crops.
“Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State is one of the areas worse hit by insurgency due to its proximity to Zamfara State and the dreaded Rugu Forest.
“We are predominantly farmers, who cultivate largely sesame, millets, maize, guinea corn, sweet potatoes and sugarcane, among other crops, but banditry activities have reduced our efforts.”
The District Head said that he appreciated the successes recorded by the security agencies as bandits are no long ravaging both Katsina and Zamfara states as they used to do.
Alhaji Mua’zu said the success could not be unconnected to the ongoing onslaught against the bandits in the forests, as well as the stiff security measures enforced by the Zamfara lState Government.
The district head advised residents to exercise patience, even as they are facing hardship in their legitimate endeavors, pointing out that with the success being recorded, banditry activities would soon come to an end.