Yusuf Lawal, a District Head in Kankara, Katisna State, has been dismissed for sponsoring the activities of armed bandits in the communities under his leadership.

In April, Lawal was first suspended after it was alleged he was frustrating ongoing efforts to fight bandits and tackle insecurity in the area.

Kankara is one of the most affected areas by banditry in Katsina.

According to ChannelsTV, Ibrahim Bindawa, the spokesperson of the Katsina Emirate Council, said a committee found the District Head guilty of aiding bandits and kidnappers terrorising Kankara.

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“The immediate suspension followed a series of complaints by the residents after which investigation was conducted,” Bindawa said.

“What happened was that the state government had hitherto directed the Emirate Council to commence investigation into the allegations leveled against the District Head by the residents.

“Upon completion of the investigation, the Emirate found him guilty and submitted its report to the state government where the government further directed the Emirate to dismiss him.”

Katsina is one of the northwestern facing insecurity challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

In December, 344 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, were abducted and freed one later, following negotiations with their abductors.

Aminu Masari, the Katsina State Governor, had in March directed that all boarding schools remain closed, amidst the fear of fresh attacks by bandits.