In a recent meeting, northern governors addressed pressing challenges facing their region, notably the surge in kidnapping and the alarming rate of out-of-school children. The tone was one of resolve as they pledged to confront these issues head-on, labeling the current state of affairs as utterly unacceptable.
During a televised program titled "Journalists' Hangout on TVC," Mr. Babajide Otitoju, a respected broadcast journalist and public affairs commentator, shared his insights on the dire situation gripping the Northern region. He painted a grim picture, describing how bandits have seized control, imposing levies on farmers and dictating terms to communities with impunity.
Otitoju highlighted the audacity of these criminals, who not only extort from farmers but also exert authority by appointing their own leaders within villages. He recounted witnessing chilling videos depicting the terror inflicted by these groups, emphasizing the helplessness felt by local populations in the face of such violence. He shed light on the ruthless tactics employed by bandits, who instill fear through intimidation, violence, and even extrajudicial executions.
According to him, "A situation in which a major food production belt of our country is going through this level of insecurity. They (bandits) impose harvest levies on farmers, they take over villages, they appoint their own district heads, and they tell you this is the person to deal with here, if you don't deal with him, we kill you. I have seen some videos. And those guys are there, terrorizing our people, killing our people and we can't stop them."
Watch the video starting from 03:06- 03- 46