‘North-west economy under threat’ — CSO asks FG to stop bandit attacks in Kano

The Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative (CPAC), a civil society organisation (CSO), says bandit attacks in Kano could destabilise the north-west economy. 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Bishir Unguwa, CPAC’s executive director, described the incursions of bandit activities in Kano as “the final straw that will break the economic backbone of northern Nigeria”.

Kano, the commercial nerve centre of the north-west, which has been relatively free of banditry, recently witnessed strikes by the terrorists.

Last week, bandits attacked Tsanyawa LGA of the state and abducted scores of residents.  Troops later rescued the victims.

Unguwa said the consequences of insecurity in Kano could be devastating, stressing the state’s importance as the economic, learning, and cultural centre of northern Nigeria.

“Our group views the penetration of bandits into Kano state, a hitherto safe, secure and peaceful state, as the final straw that will break the economic backbone of northern Nigeria,” he said.

“Kano has remained the last stronghold of northern Nigeria. Unfortunately, with the recent attacks in the Shanono, Bagwai and Tsanyawa local government areas, it is clear that this history is going to be short-changed.

“If this emerging security threat is not tamed swiftly, it will be a matter of time before Kano joins the league of frontline states, meaning that the whole north-west will be engulfed by banditry and terrorism.”

Unguwa also criticised political actors allegedly exploiting insecurity for personal gain.

“It is disgusting and disgraceful that there are some self-serving politicians who are trying unwittingly to make political capital out of the prevailing security challenges,” he said.

“We are calling on the relevant security agencies to investigate and take necessary action. Politicisation of security challenges is sabotaging government efforts towards addressing criminality, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.”

Unguwa said most of the bandits terrorising Kano are reportedly coming from neighbouring Katsina state.

“The affected communities in Kano share borders with Katsina state, lending credence to this claim. The peace deal with bandits is not working as it is supposed to,” he said.

He called for a change in strategy, recommending that any negotiations with bandits should prioritise disarmament, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of repentant criminals and must be approved by the federal and state governments.