Governor Sani in brave move to end crisis in troubled Southern Kaduna

Despite the attacks, killings, kidnapping and unprecedented crisis in the past, the government of Uba Sani is unrelentless in his efforts to ensure that peace and tranquility return to the bewildered Southern part of Kaduna State.

Also, his administration has charted a roadmap for economic development and growth in the area devoid of the neglect by the former administration.

The coming of Governor Sani, no doubt, has brought succour and hope for the people of Southern Kaduna, who have lived in pains and agony, as a result of the devastation unleashed on them by previous government’s uneven development and the trajectory of security challenges.

Thousands of people in the troubled communities, who have lost their loved ones, property and ancestral lands to either bandits or terrorists, have already been assured of adequate government protection immediately Senator Sani became governor, as he embarked on visits to the area, and also brought words of solidarity and assurances to the people to put an end to the crisis that had enveloped the area in the past.

Although, banditry and terrorism have not been wiped off completely, Governor Sani has brought renewed assurances to the people, with the support of the Federal Government, by ensuring that the military continues to confront the assault of the terrorists and bandits anytime they unleash havoc.

His approach to bringing peace and tranquility to the Southern Kaduna geographical zone is a clear departure from the era of Nasir el-Rufai, whose regime was antagonistic to the people, as the former governor did not hide his feelings of to them. Oftentimes, he did not even visit the area to sympathise with the people each time there was attack, killings or kidnappings; worst still when their ancestral lands were forcefully taken away.

He recently met the royal fathers and council chairmen over the resurgence of attacks, kidnappings and killings in the troubled communities.
Summoning an emergency security meeting, which attracted the military echelon in the state, Governor Sani called for a concerted effort aimed at addressing security challenges.

As part of the immediate solution, he recommended the establishment of Kaduna State Security Trust Fund that would help in mopping resources from the public sector and other prominent individuals to effectively prosecute the war against banditry and terrorism.

Sani remarked: “The purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm on the situation in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and the Kaduna-Abuja Road,” which bordered Southern part of Kaduna State.

He said: “There was security on the Kaduna-Abuja Road for about 18 months, until the sudden unfortunate and disturbing attack and kidnapping. The recent occurrences on that axis clearly indicate the re-opening of a front on that route, and this points to us strongly the need for renewed focus and coordination.

“You are also 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.”

Lamenting the resurgence of terror attacks and kidnappings, Sani remarked: “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 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. I have equally followed the operations in Kachia, Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Chikun and other locations. We commend the military and all the security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices.”

He continued: “I must also commend Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for significantly stabilizing 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.”

According to the governor, his administration is fully committed to the security and safety of the whole of Kaduna State, because security is the cornerstone for the realisation of its SUSTAIN Agenda.

“I have been pursuing the deployment of more boots on the ground through more military formations.
“I am happy to inform you that very soon, there will be establishment of some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the State. This move will greatly assist the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations.”

He stressed that the state government is working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualising these plans, pointing out: “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 which we are vigorously pursuing.”

Sani observed, “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.”

Meanwhile, as part of Governor Sani’s changing the narratives of the isolation tendency against the people of Southern Kaduna as demonstrated by former Governor El-Rufai, he embarked on activities bordering on social activities, and merrymaking with the people of Southern Kaduna towards the end of 2023 and the New Year.

The project, like that of Rigachukun, aims to reskill and upskill the citizens, to handle technical and technology-related tasks. Right now, there are skills gaps in Kaduna State, across private and public sectors, as most citizens lack the requisite know-how to be competitive at the national level.

In the effort to join hand with the governor in rebuilding Southern Kaduna, one of the prominent leaders of the area, retired General Zamani Lekwot and other elders have applauded his drive for peace and unity in the state.

Lekwot, who was also former Military Governor of Rivers State and elder statesman, praised Sani for his commendable efforts to unite Kaduna State since his assumption of office.

He spoke on behalf of Southern Kaduna elders during the recently concluded Maiden Southern Kaduna Festival where he received the award of Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC), saying, “I want to commend your leadership quality. What you have done within six months has gladdened our hearts.

“In our prayers, we will continue to ask God to bless you with more wisdom, courage, and foresight in your commendable match to unite Kaduna State so that we can move forward.

“This has clearly sent a message to the youth not to relent in their efforts to serve their country because their labour would never be forgotten,” he added.

Also commending the governor in his effort to reposition the state and move it away from the era of crisis, the Secretary General of the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Elder Sunday Oibe, told The Guardian that if the governor truly wants to succeed, he has to free himself and his government from the eight years of divisive reign of El-Rufai’s style of leadership.

“If he (Governor Sani) sustains the stakeholders’ engagement, using his appointees to sustain what he has started, then the healing process will begin. As for the fruit of such engagement, it might not show immediately because of the damage done to the people of Southern Kaduna by El-Rufai and his cruel government wherein, he intentionally reduced the people of Southern Kaduna to second class citizens in their own state.”

Oibe said: “With sustained interfacing, he (Sani) will douse tension, trust building will begin to grow and relationship between his government and the people of Southern Kaduna will be enhanced. His SA on stakeholders engagement is an experienced grassroots person. His Excellency should task him not to seat in the office but must be on the move reaching out on behalf of his Excellency.”

Lamenting the security challenges under the immediate past Government in the State, the Northern CAN scribe said, “there has been speculations and even the body language of the past leadership of the state suggest it’s complicity.”

Already, the elders and Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have decided to throw their weight behind the government of Governor Sani and also help in the fight against terrorism in the various communities.

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SCKLA), called on communities in the area to break away from a past of strife and crisis and embrace tolerance for peace to be sustained.

Chairman of the association, Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, made the call during the 22nd edition of the yearly Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit convened by the group in Kafanchan.

Kure said leaving the past behind and embracing the future with hope had become necessary to allow the people rebuild their land and move forward.

“The governor is already setting the pace for us by setting up skills acquisition centre to move us away from the past,” he added. He also commended the Nigerian Army for its peace building efforts in Southern Kaduna, even as he called on them to do more to guarantee a more secured society.

According to him, 2024 will see a turn around and progression in Southern Kaduna and the lives of its people. Meanwhile, speaking through a representative, Governor Sani, further reiterated the need for communities in the area to live in peace as there could be no development without peace.

“You are also 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.”

Said Sani: “I will however appeal to the military and the police to step up their presence in the Tudun Biri general area in view of threats arising from efforts to rebuild the community after the unfortunate incident of last year.”

According to the governor, “our administration is fully committed to the security and safety of the whole of Kaduna State, because security is the cornerstone for the realization of our SUSTAIN Agenda. I have been pursuing the deployment of more boots on the ground through more military formations.”

” I am happy to inform you that very soon, there will be establishment of some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the State. This move will greatly assist the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations.”

The governor further stressed, “the Kaduna State Government is working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualising these plans”, pointing out that “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 which we are vigorously pursuing.”

Meanwhile, speaking through a representative, Governor Sani, further reiterated the need for communities in the area to live in peace as there could be no development without peace.

Sani, who was represented by the Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Mrs. Phoebe Yayi, appealed to religious leaders to continue to preach peace, unity and obedience to constituted authority. She maintained that the administration remained committed to creating an inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, can thrive and prosper.