John Shiklam in Kaduna
Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has decried the return of bandits in seven Local Government Areas in the state as well as the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
The governor expressed the concern yesterday while addressing a security meeting attended by traditional rulers and the 23 council chairmen at the Government House, Kaduna.
While lamenting the attacks along the Kaduna- Abuja highway and in some parts of the state in the past few weeks, the governor hinted that the state government was considering establishing a Security Trust Fund to enhance material and logistic support to security forces to bring and end to criminal activities.
He said the sudden return of bandits in Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, and Kagarko LGAs were unfortunate.
“You are aware of the attacks on citizens and military personnel along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road and in the Birnin Gwari general area.
“Bandits and terrorists have exploited gaps, particularly around Maganda, Kuyello, and other villages surrounding Buruku, Udawa, Damba, Kuriga, Polewire, and other flash points, to carry out ambushes on citizens, as well as security forces attempting to respond to distress calls.
“Chikun, Giwa, and Igabi have become areas of concern as well; from Maraban Rido and Kudendan axis in Chikun, Sauran Goma, Kerawa, and Dunki areas of Igabi have also witnessed attacks and killings. I also followed the developments in Giwa from Kidandan, Kaya, Sabon Layi, and Idasu”, the governor said.
He said further that the Kauru general area has equally witnessed a resurgence of deadly attacks and kidnappings in recent weeks around Dokan Karji stretching into Kajuru and also Kachia from the Bishini general area.
The governor, however, commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
He said: “I must also commend Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for significantly stabilising Zangon Kataf, Jema’a, and Kaura.
“The officers and men of Operation Safe Haven have helped immensely in containing recent threats to peace and safety.
” I will, however, appeal to the military and the police to step up their presence in the Tudun Biri general area given threats arising from efforts to rebuild the community after the unfortunate incident of last year.”
Sani reiterated that his administration is committed to the security and safety of the state, “because security is the cornerstone for the realisation of our SUSTAIN Agenda.”
The governor disclosed that his request for has the establishment of more military formations in the state is yielding positive results as “some forward operating bases (FOBs) will soon be establish in the state.
“This move will greatly assist in the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations.
“The Kaduna State Government is working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualizing these plans.
“ I have directed the overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs to follow this process closely and provide me with regular reports on the establishment of the FOBs and other relevant issues that we are vigorously pursuing.
”The Kaduna State Government is looking at the possibility of establishing the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund as a means of collaborating with corporate organisations, the business community, industrialists, professional groups, individuals and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support to our security forces
“On the side of security agencies, and in light of the challenges we are confronting, I must state that it has become vital for us to further close ranks, rub minds, and revisit our collaborative structures”, the governor said.
