Katsina Govt Denies Sponsoring Hajj For Bandits, Challenges Accuser To Provide Evidence

The Katsina State Government has strongly denied allegations that it sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders or individuals linked to criminal activities, describing the claim as false, misleading and entirely without evidence.

The allegation was reportedly made by one Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on Trust TV, where he claimed that the state government had facilitated pilgrimage arrangements for bandit leaders.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the government said the accusation was baseless and appeared aimed at undermining ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, said the government categorically rejected the claim and viewed it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

“The 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,” the statement said.

The state government argued that the allegation surfaced at a time when security agencies, working with the support of the government, had recorded notable successes in operations against banditry and other criminal activities.

According to the government, the claim appears intended to divert attention from those gains and create mistrust among residents.

Officials further accused certain individuals and groups of exploiting security issues for political purposes and personal interests.

The government alleged that some actors had become frustrated by its refusal to participate in what it described as questionable schemes designed to divert public resources away from development projects and programmes.

“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 statement added.

The government challenged those behind the allegation to provide credible and verifiable evidence to support their claims.

It warned that failure to substantiate the accusation could result in legal action against those responsible for spreading what it described as defamatory information.

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

“Failure to do so will leave the government with no option but to explore all lawful means available to protect its reputation and hold those responsible accountable for spreading false and defamatory information.”

The state government urged residents and members of the public to disregard the allegation and continue supporting security agencies and stakeholders involved in efforts to restore peace and stability across Katsina State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing security operations and implementing measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

“The government remains fully committed to supporting ongoing security operations and implementing measures that will guarantee the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of all residents,” the statement concluded.

The allegation and the government's response come amid continued efforts by authorities in Katsina and other North-West states to combat banditry, kidnapping and related security threats that have affected communities across the region.