Former Minister Emphasizes Need to Address Underlying Causes of Insecurity.
Former Minister Emphasizes Need to Address Underlying Causes of Insecurity.
Former Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has emphasized that banditry in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, should be understood as more than just kidnapping. Speaking on the Sunrise Daily programme on Channels Television, Mohammed highlighted that the issue is deeply rooted in the country’s history and resources, and cannot be reduced to isolated criminal acts.
Mohammed pointed out that insecurity in Nigeria is multifaceted and longstanding. During a town hall meeting in Katsina State, which included top security officials such as the Ministers of Interior and Defense, he noted that banditry’s origins date back to 1891, when the first recorded incidents occurred in Katsina. This historical perspective underscores that banditry is not a recent phenomenon but has been part of the region’s history for over a century.
He stressed that the narrative around banditry needs to evolve beyond viewing it solely as kidnapping or cattle theft. Instead, it should be recognized as a complex issue intertwined with resource control, historical grievances, and socio-economic factors. Mohammed expressed concern that many people perceive banditry as a new or isolated problem, which hampers effective solutions.
The former minister’s comments come amid ongoing insecurity challenges across Nigeria, with frequent reports of armed banditry, kidnapping, and violent conflicts. He urged Nigerians and policymakers to understand the deeper roots of these issues to develop comprehensive strategies that address the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.
In summary, Lai Mohammed’s remarks serve as a call for a more nuanced understanding of banditry in Nigeria, encouraging efforts that go beyond conventional law enforcement to tackle the socio-economic and historical factors fueling insecurity in the region.
