Katsina problem is banditry not COVID-19 – Masar

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, says “COVID-19 is not an issue” for the people of the state as armed bandits continue to unleash terror and mayhem on them, unabated.




He said over 50 persons have been killed by gunmen in the last two weeks.











The governor stated this on Wednesday via Twitter after receiving the Chief of Defence, Training and Operations, Maj-Gen Leo Irabor and other senior officers from the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.















Masari said, “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the security agencies in the fight against banditry but we must also state that the situation has become so overwhelming. We are running out of words to convince our people that we are on top of the situation.






“They are, by the days, losing confidence in us as their leaders, saddled with the responsibility of securing their lives and properties.






“I am so saddened with the situation we are in now, because to most of our people in the troubled areas, COVID-19 is not even an issue. It may have taken over the world and the news about it but not here.

“Attacks by armed bandits have become a daily affair. In about two weeks, we have lost more than 50 people.













“At our own end and within the resources available, we have provided support to the security agencies. We even brokered peace through an Amnesty and reconciliatory drive. Some of the bandits repented and joined us in the fight. They were, however, overpowered by the unrepentant ones who are more sophisticated.”











The governor urged the leadership of security agencies in the country to up their ante in combatting the activities of gunmen in the state.











According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control as of Wednesday night, the state has recorded 9