In a decisive response to the escalating banditry crisis, the Kebbi State government has unveiled plans to impose the death penalty or life imprisonment for individuals convicted of aiding bandits as informants. The announcement comes as the region grapples with a security emergency that has claimed over 10,000 lives and displaced millions since 2011, according to a 2023 report by the International Crisis Group.
The proposal was highlighted during a community gathering, where traditional leaders and officials convened, their presence symbolizing the cultural weight behind the policy. However, the effectiveness of such severe measures remains uncertain, with a 2020 study in the Journal of African Law indicating that capital punishment has limited success in deterring crime in conflict zones.
This approach mirrors a regional trend, following Kano State’s 2022 threat of the death penalty for banditry offenses under Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The Kebbi initiative follows recent violence, including an attack in Tadurga village, Zuru Local Government Area, where bandits killed approximately ten people, looted stores, and stole livestock, prompting urgent appeals from the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II.
Governor Nasir Idris has committed to bolstering security with additional military units and resources, vowing to protect residents at all costs. Yet, rural development challenges, recently spotlighted by newly crowned Queen Maryam Elisha, could hinder enforcement outside urban centers. The government has also cautioned against politically driven misinformation, calling for collective action to address the crisis.
Public sentiment varies, with some expressing frustration over ongoing insecurity, while local groups like the Zuru and Tadurga Concerned Patriots have praised the government’s response to the Tadurga incident, countering criticism from former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.
