Bandits growing in confidence, now give out Bank account numbers to collect ransom openly — Rep member cries out
Terrorists have become increasingly brazen, now openly sharing bank account details for ransom payments from kidnap victims.
This alarming trend was highlighted by Hon. Shehu Dalhatu, the representative for Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, who expressed concern over the rising incidents of banditry.
Dalhatu noted that this boldness reflects the impunity with which these criminals operate, raising serious questions about the security of the nation’s telecommunications and financial systems.
While discussing the urgent need for government action against the escalating violence in his constituency, he pointed out that evidence of ransom demands is easily accessible, including on personal devices, underscoring the severity of the situation.
He reported that for the past four months, bandits have attacked his constituency almost every 48 hours.
Last week, armed bandits ambushed members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps on the Yankara-Faskari Road, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others, along with the theft of their weapons.
Additionally, Dalhatu recounted that just two days later, on Sunday, the bandits targeted innocent civilians in Balan Dawa village, killing three and kidnapping several women.
The violence continued on Monday when bandits attacked the Funtua-Gusau Road, killing one person and abducting an unspecified number of commuters.
The lawmaker added that “the situation has deteriorated to the point where bandits now openly provide bank account details for ransom payments to be made for kidnapped victims.
“Despite previous efforts by government agencies and the deployment of security personnel, banditry in these areas has persisted, signaling that current strategies are inadequate.
“The local communities have made brave attempts to protect themselves through initiatives such as the Vigilantes, but they are severely outmatched by the heavily armed bandits.”
Dalhatu urged security agencies to ramp up efforts to rescue all victims affected by banditry.
He called on the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force to immediately bolster security in the constituency by deploying additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.
He also urged the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to investigate how bandits are exploiting telecommunications and financial systems for ransom payments.
Dalhatu emphasized the need for close collaboration with law enforcement to disrupt the communication and financial channels used by these criminals.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House referred it to the Committees on Defence, Army, Police, and National Security for further legislative action.
They also observed a minute of silence to honor those killed by bandits and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
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