By Fatima Mukhtar Isah
The Katsina State Government has dismissed allegations that it sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders or individuals involved in criminal activities, describing the claim as false, baseless, and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the state’s ministry of Internal Security reacted to remarks allegedly made by Dr. Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on a nationalTelevisionStation. The state government said the accusation lacked any factual basis and was intended to mislead the public and undermine ongoing security efforts in the state.
The statement added that the allegation comes at a time when security agencies, with the support of the state government, are recording notable successes in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities.
It further accused some individuals and groups of politicising security issues for personal and political interests, alleging that such actors were displeased by the administration’s refusal to support schemes aimed at diverting public resources from development projects.
Katsina State Government challenged those behind the allegation to provide credible evidence to support their claims, warning that it may pursue legal action against anyone found spreading false and defamatory information.
