Former Zamfara State Senator Garba Marafa has accused security agencies of ignoring serious claims made by prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Bello Asada regarding the alleged support some northern leaders give to bandits.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Marafa noted that Sheikh Asada had openly challenged authorities to investigate his statements or take legal action against him if he was wrong. According to Marafa, despite the gravity of the allegations, no concrete steps have been taken.
He explained that the insecurity in the North has two layers: armed bandits hiding in forest areas and their collaborators within urban centres, including individuals allegedly holding government positions.
Marafa questioned why authorities struggle to identify and arrest these urban collaborators, especially since many community members are aware of who they are. He added that locals are often afraid to speak up because informants risk being targeted.
Sheikh Bello Asada, a controversial cleric based in Sokoto, has previously claimed that a former northern governor supplied vehicles to bandit leaders such as Halilu Sububu, Ado Aliero, and Bello Turji.
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