Military Chiefs storm Katsina over killings by bandits

Following Tuesday’s attack by bandits which led to the death of more than 34 people in three council areas in Katsina state, a delegation of military chiefs yesterday arrived the state to assess situation and map out ways to tackle the problem.

The delegation, led by Major General B.I. Ahanotu, was in the state on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari who was reported to have expressed displeasure over the extent of atrocity carried out by bandits in his home state.

Other members of the delegation include, AVM Ohvo, Director of Operations NAF headquarters, Mr. Bassey Eteng, DSS headquarters, DIG Abdullahi from Police headquarters, Brig.Gen. Omoigee of army headquarters, Abuja, and Navy Captain Katagun of the Defense intelligence Agency.

Speaking to the deputy governor of the state, Gen Ahanotu said they were sent by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Gabriel Olonisakin and the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai to assess recent attacks in Batsari and other affected council areas.

While commiserating with the people of the state, Ahanotu expressed commitment of security agencies to secure lives and property, innthe state andnother parts of the country.

Earlier, the state’s deputy governor, Mannir Yakubu expressed concern over frequent cases of banditry and kidnapping which affects communites close to the dreaded Rugu forest.

Yakubu however commended president Buhari’s prompt response to the situation.

“When we came to power we did introduce several initiatives aimed at improving security in the state.

“But Katsina is not an island. It shares border with neighboring states, so the relative peace we often enjoyed is severally jeopardized.

“Certainly, there is a great and urgent need for a quick solution to our predicament and to bring peace in the state.

“The rainy season is here and our people are warming up to go back to the farms, or do we risk insecurity?”

He assured the delegation of government’s cooperation to make their work easier.

Meanwhile, the state government says following Tuesday’s incident which led to the death of 34 people, it would now hold a low-key May 29 Democracy Day as well as inauguration celebrations.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Mustapha Inuwa, said the decision was out of respect for those that lose their lives and their family members.