Military Onslaught: Bandits Fleeing From Zamfara To Katsina – Royal Father Cries Out

The ongoing military onslaught in Zamfara State is forcing bandits previously operating in the area to flee to communities in Katsina State.

The district head of Batsari in Katsina State, Alhaji Tukur Mu’azu made the submission, noting that the bandits are attempting to resettle in communities within Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina after escaping military firepower in Zamfara.

The royal father specifically identified Yaso Duba, Sabon-garin Dunburawa, Baking – Ragi, and Labor as communities where the bandits are now seeking refuge from the military onslaught after they were dislodged from the forests of Zamfara State.

He, therefore, appealed to the security agents to turn their searchlight to the area as the residents and villagers are mostly farmers who now are in danger of losing their harvests out of fear of the invaders.

“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 traditional ruler lamented.

Alhaji Tukur Mu’azu while appreciating the efforts and success so far recorded by the security agencies against the bandits, said the efforts must be sustained until all the criminals are totally dislodged and the people can live and operate freely.

Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has alleged that the attack on the Oyo State correctional facility was carried out by bandits.

Ezenwoko’s Blog had earlier reported that the attackers stormed the facility around 10pm on Friday night bearing weapons and deploying grenades to gain access.

According to reports, all the prisoners in the facility were set free even as the warders keeping watch on the inmates scampered for safety when the gunmen attacked.

During a visit to the facility on Sunday, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said 446 out of 907 escapees have been recaptured while 69 never left the facility.

But in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams said the invasion of Oyo town prison by bandits has exposed the poor security situation in the country.

He added that the attack on the prison exposed the vulnerability of the correctional facility and the security agencies guarding it.

Adams condemned the attack, saying that Oyo State and the entire South-west has never experienced such an attack in a very long time.