The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of the diversion of steel water tanks meant for public water supply in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State. This probe follows a petition filed on September 17, 2024, by the human rights advocacy group, Network for Justice. The petitioners include Abdullahi Hassan Kofar Sauri, Dr. Bashir U. Kurfi, and Wing Commander Gambo Kurfi (Rtd).  

Allegations Highlighted  

The petition accuses certain local government officials of conspiring to dismantle a large steel water tank providing water to the community, selling off its parts, and misappropriating the proceeds.  

It is further alleged that some of the tank components have gone missing, while others were sold illegally. Some remaining materials were reportedly stored at the vigilante office, but the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kurfi, Ilyasu Mohammed Maradi, later ordered their relocation to another location, where they were allegedly sold secretly.  

Similarly, items stored at Maimani Primary School and those retrieved from a well are also reported missing.  

The petition names the following individuals as suspects: " Aminu Maradi, Ilyasu Mohammed Maradi, Mustapha Sani, Dayyabu Abba (D-Naste), Usman Sani, and Mannir Gambo."

The incident has caused significant concern among the residents of Kurfi, who are now grappling with a severe water shortage. Most residents have resorted to using pond water, exposing them to potential health risks.  

Reacting to the accusations, the Chairman of Kurfi Local Government, Dr. Mannir Shehu Wurma, denied any involvement. He stated that the tank was already damaged before he assumed office.  

“This situation predates my administration. The tank had deteriorated, and some community members, including a religious group, requested the tank’s scrap metal, but I refused because it is a federal government property, not under local government jurisdiction,” he explained.  

He added, “Later, I heard that the dismantling of the tank had begun without my consent. Some elders and vigilante members reportedly held a meeting and decided to sell parts of the tank to fund security efforts. However, I neither approved nor attended this meeting.”  

Malam Dayyabu, the leader of the vigilante group in Kurfi, confirmed that the tank’s steel was sold for ₦270,000. Of this amount, ₦100,000 was allocated to the vigilante group for security purposes, ₦50,000 went to the custodian of the materials, and ₦40,000 was reserved for the vigilante office.  

An EFCC team, accompanied by representatives from the Network for Justice and Katsina Times, visited three locations linked to the incident. At the original tank site in Unguwar Bayan Dam, only remnants of the structure were found. Some remaining materials were recovered at the police station, while others had vanished.  

Residents of Kurfi expressed frustration over their lack of access to clean water, urging authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis.  

The Kurfi Local Government Chairman, Dr. Mannir Shehu Wurma, pledged to repair and restore the tank for the benefit of the community.  

Meanwhile, the EFCC has vowed to uncover the culprits behind this mismanagement and ensure they face justice.