Katsina denies sponsoring bandits’ leaders for Hajj

From Agaju Madugba, Katsina

The Katsina State Government has denied claims that it sponsored some bandit leaders on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

“The Katsina State Government wishes to categorically refute and strongly condemn the false and misleading statement made by one Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on Trust TV, in which he alleged that the state government sponsored the Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders or any individuals involved in banditry and other criminal activities,” a Government House statement said on Wednesday evening.

The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, said, “The government states unequivocally that this allegation is entirely baseless, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis.

“It is a deliberate falsehood aimed at misleading the public and undermining the ongoing efforts of the government and security agencies in addressing security challenges across the state.

“It is particularly unfortunate that such claims are being propagated at a time when security agencies, with the support of the Katsina State government, have recorded significant successes in the fight against banditry and related criminal activities.

“The government views this allegation as a politically motivated attempt to distract from these achievements and create unnecessary mistrust among the public.

“The Katsina State Government notes with concern that certain individuals and groups, driven by selfish interests, have continued to politicise security issues for personal and political gain.

“These elements appear dissatisfied with the government’s refusal to patronise their questionable schemes and fraudulent ventures designed to divert scarce public resources away from critical developmental projects and programmes intended to improve the lives of the people of Katsina State.

“Accordingly, the government challenges the purveyors of these allegations to substantiate their claims with credible and verifiable evidence.”

The Katsina State Government urges members of the public and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these malicious allegations and remain steadfast in their support for security agencies and all stakeholders working tirelessly to restore lasting peace, security, and stability across Katsina State.