Bauchi senator rejects banditry allegations, pledges support in tackling insecurity

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The senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has vowed not to be intimidated, harassed or silenced by what he described as ongoing media attacks and a politically motivated trial against him.

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Buba, who is the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in Bauchi State, made the declaration in Abuja on Monday while receiving aides, coordinators, party leaders, political associates and religious leaders from Muslim and Christian denominations who gathered to express solidarity with him.

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The former chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence has faced allegations since 2024 of having links with suspected bandits, claims he has repeatedly denied.

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The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by a content creator known as ‘D English Alhaji’, who alleged that suspected bandit kingpins had visited the senator’s residence.

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The allegations were further amplified after a resident identified as Hassan accused Buba, during an interview with the social media influencer, of being among politicians allegedly aiding bandits in the area.

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Hassan also alleged that individuals linked to the notorious bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly facilitated by an aide to the senator.

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However, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, Buba described the allegations and media reports as part of a sponsored campaign aimed at achieving political objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The senator, while appreciating the visitors for their concern, confidence and continued support, said he remained committed to protecting his reputation and serving the interests of his constituents and the people of Bauchi State.

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He assured his supporters that he would not be intimidated, harassed or silenced in his determination to support legitimate government efforts to tackle insecurity through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

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Buba stressed the importance of community participation, intelligence gathering, dialogue, peacebuilding and other lawful measures in preventing and combating criminality.

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“As a doctoral student of Peace and Conflict Resolution, with a research focus on strengthening and evolving effective non-kinetic approaches within Nigeria’s security architecture, I strongly believe that criminality knows no religion, tribe, gender, colour, race, social status or geographical boundary,” he said.

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The senator called on Nigerians to unite behind governments at all levels in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

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He cautioned against politicising the fight against insecurity or reducing it to ethnic and religious sentiments.

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Buba further said he had chosen to address the challenges confronting him through lawful and institutional channels rather than engaging in media exchanges with his perceived detractors.

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According to him, anyone with credible evidence against him should present it to the appropriate security agencies or courts instead of resorting to blackmail, misinformation, fabricated allegations or character assassination.

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“For me, I have taken these tribulations in good faith and have subjected my complaints to the relevant security agencies and the courts for appropriate redress. I will continue to challenge anyone who has anything incriminating against me to follow due process of the law.

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“Political disagreements should not become an excuse for blackmail, falsehoods and attempts to damage a person’s integrity, faith, culture and reputation,” he stated.

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Speaking on behalf of the senator’s legislative aides, Hassan Gaji reaffirmed their support, loyalty and solidarity with Buba, describing the period as challenging.

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Gaji commended the senator for exercising restraint and refusing to engage in a media war with his perceived political opponents.

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He urged Buba to remain focused on his responsibilities and continue with his programmes and engagements with the people of Bauchi State.

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The senator reaffirmed that his political ambition was centred on providing responsible leadership, strengthening security, promoting unity, supporting economic opportunities and advancing inclusive development across the state.

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He also appealed to his supporters, political associates and aides to exercise restraint and avoid making unverified statements or engaging in unnecessary media exchanges.

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Buba urged them to conduct proper due diligence before responding to allegations, stressing that the best response to political distractions was continued commitment to public service and lawful democratic engagement.

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