The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru, says his life is under threat following text messages he has received from some internet fraudsters, popularly known as "Sakawa" boys in the Tamale metro­polis.

This follows a directive he issued to the security agencies to arrest and prosecute such fraudsters in the metropolis, and other parts of the region.

He mentioned some of the death-threatening messages as "Hello, Mr. Minister, you better stop the threats on us or we teach you a bitter lesson," "Nothing can stop us from our businesses, not even you the minister" and "We don't fear any­body, not even the security".

Alhaji Muniru was speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for work to begin on the construction of a multi-purpose bus terminal at Datoyili, a suburb of Tamale yesterday.

He said the several SMS text messages warned him to stay away from them, else he would have himself to blame.

The Minister, however, warned that he is not perturbed by the threats, and vowed to do everything possible to halt the illegal activities of such fraudsters in the region.

"I wish to caution all the youth in the region who indulge in Sakawa, wee smoking and any form of criminal activities, to put an end to the practice or face the full rigours of the law," he warned.

Alhaji Muniru said nothing would stop him and the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), from going after the criminals and prosecuting them way in this region," he warned.

The Minister also condemned some chiefs in the area who condone and connive with such criminals in the region. He urged opinion leaders, politicians and chiefs to collaborate with the security agencies to instill discipline among the youth and check lawlessness in the region.