*Wakili Kanshar suspended over alleged N1.5 million payment made to him by bandits to establish a camp in Taraba*
Men of the Nigerian Army have arrested suspected bandits in Kambariat Anguwan Bala, Amar District, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The arrest was made on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
According to reports, a group of seven individuals from the Tarok extraction, who hail from the Plateau-Taraba border, had arrived in the area seeking land for farming purposes. They were led by one Wakili Suleiman, a community leader from Kanshar village, Amar District.
The chief of the area had allegedly shown them the land, and they agreed to pay a lease fee of N1.5 million. However, these individuals later turned out to be bandits, contrary to the traditional norms of the border communities in the area.
The bandits had settled in various communities, including Kanshar, Zambul/FumagKatluum, Garin Kobo, Anguwan Maishayi, and others. The arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in the efforts to curb banditry in Taraba State.
The report of the arrest has been forwarded to relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Matters; the O/C DSSS Karim-Lamido; the D.P.O Old Muri Division Karim-Lamido; and the D/O NSCDC Karim-Lamido.
This development comes as a relief to the people of Karim-Lamido, who have been grappling with the menace of banditry in recent times. The arrest is a testament to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling insecurity in Taraba
In the light of the foregoing, Mal. Suleiman Babale, the Wakili Kanshar of Amar District in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, has been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension, which was conveyed in a letter dated Tuesday, February 4, 2025, follows allegations of Babale's involvement in bringing and stationing bandits in the area.
According to sources, a group of individuals from the Tarok extraction, who claimed to be farmers, were brought to the area by Babale. However, these individuals turned out to be bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons and threatening the inhabitants of the area. The Nigerian Army, based in Kambari, intervened and arrested many of the bandits, while others fled back to Plateau State.
The suspension of Babale is seen as a significant step in addressing the growing insecurity in the region. The Old Muri traditional council has set up a committee to investigate the matter and determine the extent of Babale's involvement with the bandits.
Similarly, the Old Muri chiefdom has recommended several measures to enhance security in the area. These include:
- *Join Border Patrol*: Establishing joint border patrols comprising security personnel from Taraba and Plateau States to monitor and prevent cross-border movement of bandits.
- *Intelligence Gathering*: Enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing between security agencies to track and apprehend bandits.
- *Community Engagement*: Fostering community engagement and cooperation to provide timely information on suspicious activities.
- *Security Reinforcement*: Deploying additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, particularly along the border with Plateau State.
The activities of bandits crossing the border from Plateau State to Taraba State pose a significant threat to the security and well-being of the people. Since January, more than ten people have been abducted, and one person has been killed by bandits operating along the Taraba-Plateau border.
This includes implementing socioeconomic interventions to alleviate poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. The government can also invest in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and other sectors to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen security agencies and improve their capacity to respond to security threats. This can be achieved through training, equipment, and logistical support.
The suspension of Wakili Kanshar is a significant step in addressing the growing insecurity in Taraba State. However, it is only the beginning of a long journey to combat banditry and restore peace and security to Taraba State.
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