Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has declared that any individual convicted of acting as an informant to bandits will face the death penalty, and he will sign such a death warrant within 24 hours of conviction.
Governor Idris made the strong declaration during a condolence visit to Zogirma community in Bunza Local Government Area on Sunday. The visit followed a recent deadly attack by suspected members of the Lakurawa gang, in which three police officers were killed in a gun battle while responding to an ambush along the Zogirma/Tilli road.
According to Hobnob News, the governor condemned in the strongest terms the activities of informants aiding criminal groups in the region. “They deserve capital punishment and should not live among us,” he said. “I will not hesitate to sign their death warrant. I do not support life imprisonment for such individuals.”
Governor Idris revealed that plans are underway to enact a state law prescribing the death penalty for informants found guilty of aiding or abetting banditry. He stressed that his administration would not tolerate any form of collaboration with criminal elements, no matter how minor the involvement.
In a bid to reassure residents, the governor also announced enhanced security measures across vulnerable communities in the state. “We will do everything humanly possible to ensure our citizens sleep with both eyes closed. Security remains our top priority, and we will not treat it with levity,” he added.
The slain officers were reportedly caught in a fierce shootout with the attackers while trying to protect travelers from an ambush. The community of Zogirma has been left in mourning, and the state government has promised to support the families of the deceased officers.
Governor Idris concluded his remarks by calling on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning that anyone found collaborating with criminals will face the full wrath of the law.
