May 29: El-Rufai raises alarm over insecurity

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Post created on 9:49 am

 

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has called for increase in security measures against banditry in the country during the transition period.

The Governor made the call on Wednesday, during the presentation of a security report by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.

He warned that bandits could take advantage of the transition period to launch bloody attacks in the country.

He, therefore, advised that security operations against bandits should be increased in the remaining days of the current administration and beyond.

The reviewed 2022 annual and first quarter 2023 security reports indicated that 1,266 and 4,973 persons were killed and kidnapped respectively in 15 months.

The tenure of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.) and 17 governors will come to an end in less than 40 days.

However, there have been increased attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits in Benue, Zamfara, and Niger since after the general elections.

In the past weeks, no fewer than 75 persons, including internally displaced persons had been murdered in different communities by armed herdsmen in Benue State.

Also in Zamfara in March, bandits attacked the headquarters of the Maru Local Government, killing a divisional police officer and two others.

Scores of people including security operatives had equally been killed across several communities in Niger State by suspected bandits.

El-Rufai said, “Though grim, these reports are published in fulfilment of the obligation of transparency that the government owes the residents of this state.

“Just as they have a right to updates on the progress in investments, revenue generation and other happy events, citizens have legitimate expectations to be provided with consistently accurate accounts of what is going on and on the measures being taken to address security challenges.

“The two reports just presented by Samuel Aruwan, our Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, indicate the persistence of security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and the unfortunate toll in killings, kidnappings, injuries and threats to the livelihoods of our people.

“We regret the pain and losses, pray for the repose of the souls of those killed, pay tribute to the victims of various crimes and reiterate our solidarity with them.’’

“zzzI wish to stress that in this region, this vital mission requires a comprehensive and consistent sweep across the North-West and Niger states for sustained success.

“We appeal for an escalation of security operations over the 39 days remaining till the end of the tenure of this administration and beyond so that the change of baton at the federal level does not result in a dangerous lull that criminal outlaws can exploit.

“There is every reason to intensify and sustain simultaneous ground and air kinetic actions across the seven frontline states of the North-West region and Niger which have continuous and contiguous forest ranges and are most heavily impacted by this security challenge.

“On our part, the Kaduna State Government will continue to do everything within the powers of a state to enhance security. We have invested considerable resources and energy in managing security to the extent that the Constitution of our nation permits a sub-national.

“Our interventions since 2015 include supporting the federal security agencies deployed in our state with vehicles and other logistics, collaborating with other frontline states to fund military operations in the 2015-2016 period and investments in security infrastructure and technology.’’