Bauchi Senator Rejects Banditry Allegations, Pledges Support Against Insecurity

Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has rejected fresh allegations linking him to banditry, describing the claims as part of a politically motivated campaign against him ahead of the 2027 elections.

Buba, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in Bauchi State, spoke on Monday in Abuja while receiving supporters, political associates, party leaders and religious leaders who gathered to express solidarity with him.

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence said he would not be intimidated or silenced by what he described as ongoing media attacks and attempts to damage his reputation.

The allegations followed the circulation of videos by a content creator identified as D English Alhaji, who claimed that suspected bandit leaders had visited the senator's residence.

A resident, Hassan, also accused Buba of being among politicians allegedly supporting bandits and claimed that individuals linked to bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training through an aide to the senator. Buba denied the allegations.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, Buba described the reports as a sponsored campaign aimed at achieving political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.

The senator said he remained committed to supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

He stressed the importance of community participation, intelligence gathering, dialogue, peacebuilding and other lawful measures in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Buba urged anyone with credible evidence against him to present it to the appropriate security agencies or courts rather than resorting to what he described as misinformation, blackmail or character assassination.

He also appealed to his supporters and political associates to exercise restraint, avoid unverified claims and allow due process to address the allegations.

Buba said his political ambition was focused on responsible leadership, improved security, unity, economic opportunities and inclusive development across Bauchi State.