Bauchi senator rejects banditry allegations and pledges support for fight against insecurity

Senator Shehu Buba says he will not be intimidated or silenced by allegations linking him to banditry, which he describes as part of a sponsored political campaign ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Buba, who represents Bauchi South and is the Peoples Redemption Party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi State, spoke in Abuja while receiving aides, party leaders, political associates and Muslim and Christian religious leaders who had gathered to show solidarity with him.

The senator has faced accusations since 2024 that he maintains links with suspected bandits. The latest controversy followed videos circulated by a content creator known as “D English Alhaji,” who alleged that suspected bandit kingpins had visited Buba’s residence. A resident identified as Hassan later accused the senator, during an interview with the influencer, of being among politicians allegedly aiding bandits in the area. Hassan also claimed that people linked to the notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly with help from one of Buba’s aides.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, Buba rejected the allegations and said the reports were designed to achieve political objectives. He said he remained committed to protecting his reputation and serving his constituents and the people of Bauchi State.

Buba also pledged to support legitimate government efforts against insecurity using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. He called for community participation, intelligence gathering, dialogue, peacebuilding and other lawful measures, and urged Nigerians not to politicise the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes. “Criminality knows no religion, tribe, gender, colour, race, social status or geographical boundary,” he said.

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Criminality knows no religion, tribe, gender, colour, race, social status or geographical boundary.