‘Baseless, Unfounded’ – Katsina Govt Denies Sponsoring Hajj For Bandit Leaders

The Katsina State Government has denied allegations that it sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders or persons involved in criminal activities.

NEWSNGR reports that the government described the claim as false, misleading and politically motivated.

The denial was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’azu, in response to comments reportedly made by Bashir Kurfi during a programme on Trust TV.

According to the government, the allegation that it sponsored bandit leaders for Hajj is completely unfounded and lacks factual basis.

“The allegation is entirely baseless, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.

The government said the claim was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine ongoing security efforts in the state.

The statement said the allegation surfaced at a time when security agencies, with support from the state government, had recorded progress in the fight against banditry and other crimes.

It described the claim as an attempt to distract public attention from those efforts and create mistrust among residents.

The government also accused some individuals and groups of politicising security issues for personal and political gain.

The state government challenged those behind the allegation to provide credible and verifiable evidence.

It warned that failure to do so could compel it to take legal action to protect its reputation and hold those responsible accountable for spreading false and defamatory claims.

Mua’azu urged residents of Katsina State and Nigerians at large to disregard the allegation and continue supporting security agencies working to restore peace across the state.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to policies and measures aimed at guaranteeing the safety, welfare and prosperity of all residents.