Bandits recruiting youths in Kebbi, union leader laments

By AHMADU BABA IDRIS, Birnin Kebb

The Chairman Hire Trucks Association, Bena Branch in Danko Wasagu Council of Kebbi State, Alhaji Salihu Mohammed Bena, has expressed worry over the recruitment of youths by the bandits in the area.

While appealing to the state government to urgently tackle insecurity in the area, especially with bandits now recruiting youths and training them on how to handle weapon and ammunition, Bena disclosed that bandits now occupy over 25 communities in the council.

He explained that the bandits have now become an authority and now imposes levies on drivers going through communities they occupy and force them to give them food and recharge cards or they would kill the driver, saying: “The people of the area are predominantly farmers, but cannot afford to go to farms due to the current security situation. Most people have migrated to Bena town.”

He lamented that the people would not be able to go to their farms this coming farming season if the security situation does not improve, noting that although some of the bandits are indigenes of the area, they have invited foreigners to be part of them in committing the criminal activities.

He disclosed that the union, on its part, has arrested over 50 criminals trying to sell stolen cows at their parks and handed them over to relevant authorities, bemoaning that the military and Police deployed to Bena town cannot withstand the bandits.
Bena town shared common boundaries with Zamfara and Niger states.  (The Guardian)