As of now, there is no publicly available record of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai stating that “Nigerians have allowed urban bandits to take over leadership.” However, El-Rufai has been vocal about the challenges posed by banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region.
He has consistently advocated for a firm stance against bandits, opposing negotiations with them and urging for their designation as terrorists. In a 2021 interview, El-Rufai emphasized that bandits operate without centralized leadership and are primarily driven by criminal motives, contrasting them with groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which have political objectives.
Furthermore, El-Rufai has highlighted the detrimental impact of banditry on rural economies, noting that attacks on farmers and communities threaten both rural and urban livelihoods.
In communications with the federal government, El-Rufai has warned about terrorists establishing parallel governance structures in parts of Kaduna State, underscoring the severity of the security situation.
While El-Rufai has not specifically used the phrase in question, his statements reflect deep concerns about the influence of criminal elements on Nigeria’s security and governance.