The governor of Nasarawa territory, Abdullahi Sule, has denied claims that his territory is a sanctuary for criminals, especially northern bandits.
He underlined that while certain bandits might travel through Nasarawa, the state does not provide them with sanctuary or assistance.
In a live phone interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Sule addressed charges made by University of Mkar Vice-Chancellor Professor Zacharys Anger Gundu that bandits from Nasarawa are responsible for attacks on Benue communities.
The governor denounced the comments as “provocative” and detrimental, particularly considering they were made by an academic.
“We wrote him a letter asking him to take back that kind of comment because it will only bring additional issues. Governor Sule said, “I know he’s trying to come and apologize.”
He clarified that while bandits travel across other states during their operations, this should not be interpreted as an indication of cooperation from such states.
It’s akin to claiming that Ogun was used to attack Lagos. Ogun does, of course, border Lagos, but that does not make it accountable,” he explained.
Additionally, Governor Sule emphasized that Nasarawa State has taken strong action against these criminal organizations after becoming the target of bandit attacks.
“We found a bandit camp in one of our local governments when I took office in 2019.” In order to remove them, I had to go see former President Muhammadu Buhari, who gave his approval for a combined air, land, and sea operation,” he disclosed.
He also emphasized the continued security cooperation with Benue State, noting that cooperation had persisted even under former Governor Samuel Ortom.
“These folks don’t even require housing. They assault after entering through the bushes and then leave.
However, we also pursue them. Governor Sule went on, “We are not harboring anyone.”
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