Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has raised serious concerns about the involvement of some security agents in the ongoing issue of banditry, alleging that certain members of the security forces are collecting ransom on behalf of bandits.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today 2024 Review on Tuesday, the governor emphasized the need for greater accountability and a stronger stance against these crimes.
Mohammed expressed his deep disappointment over the involvement of security officials in such activities, noting that despite knowing where the bandits are located, some of them still participate in ransom collection.
He stated, “It is very appalling when you have admittance of inefficiencies and lack of capacity. Even the security agencies know where these bandits live. You see some key members of the security forces participating in ransom collection.”
He further criticized the inefficiencies at the local level, particularly with traditional leaders who he claimed were often complicit in local banditry activities.
“At the level of the emirs in Bauchi, we don’t agree for our traditional leaders to get involved with bandits,” he said, emphasizing the need for local government autonomy to better address these issues, including local policing and administration.
In addition to his concerns over security, Governor Mohammed also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the continuation of the oil exploration project at Kolmani River, located between Bauchi and Gombe states.
He lamented that the project, which could significantly benefit the entire northern region, has seen little progress since the last administration ended, with only sporadic activity recently.
He stated, “After the expiration of the last regime, we have not seen much activity. But recently, we saw some bulldozers, as if to deceive and delude us. As far as we are concerned, we are leveraging other resources like coal.”
Mohammed pointed out the potential for the region to benefit from power generation, refineries, and petrochemical industries, stressing that the project would provide economic advantages for the northern part of the country.
The governor also revealed his efforts to meet with President Tinubu to press for the revival of the Kolmani River project.
“I am trying to get an appointment with the President to appeal to him on our behalf because it will be an astute development for oil and gas potentials,” he explained.
Additionally, Mohammed discussed regional collaboration with fellow North East governors to address the power challenges in the area, particularly in light of the deregulated electricity sector.
He noted that while the required capital for power projects is substantial, it is a necessary step for the region’s development, especially considering the vast energy potential in Bauchi and Gombe.
The governor also shared that Bauchi is working with the private sector to establish a N1.5 billion cement factory, which will produce 10 metric tonnes of cement annually.
“We have a comparative advantage in terms of green energy, and we are working on utilizing the abundant resources in Bauchi and Gombe,” he concluded.
