‘Kaduna Suffered from Banditry in the Forest, Govt House’ – Shehu Sani
In a recent interview, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has alleged that banditry activities in the state extended to the very heart of government, with bandits operating freely within the vicinity of the Government House. Sani made this claim while responding to comments made by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who had earlier denied any security breaches around the Government House. El-Rufai had dismissed reports of bandits invading the forest around the Government House as “fake news.” However, Sani countered that he had personally witnessed the presence of bandits in the area. He claimed that the bandits had become so emboldened that they were even collecting protection money from residents near the Government House. “I have seen them with my own eyes,” Sani said. “They are not just in the bush, they are also in the city, around the Government House. They are collecting protection money from people.” Sani further alleged that the government was aware of the situation but was doing little to address it. He accused the government of being “in denial” about the true extent of the security challenges facing the state. “The government is not telling the truth about the security situation in Kaduna,” Sani said. “They are not admitting that there is a problem, and that is why they are not taking the necessary steps to solve it.” Sani’s comments have sparked outrage among some residents of Kaduna State. Many have taken to social media to express their concerns about the deteriorating security situation and to demand action from the government. The Kaduna State Government has not yet responded to Sani’s allegations. However, it has previously stated that it is committed to combating banditry and other security threats facing the state. The allegations made by Shehu Sani raise serious concerns about the level of insecurity in Kaduna State. If true, they would indicate that even the highest levels of government are not safe from the threat of banditry. The government must take immediate action to address these allegations and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Kaduna Suffered Banditry in the Forest, Govt House – El-Rufai
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that the state suffered from banditry and kidnapping in the forest and around the Government House. El-Rufai stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, led by its Chairman, Adamu Yusuf, who paid him a courtesy call at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. He said that the state government had to take decisive actions to address the security challenges, including clearing the forest of criminals and deploying security personnel to strategic locations. El-Rufai added that the government had also invested in technology to enhance its security architecture, such as CCTV cameras, drones, and a command and control centre.
Shehu Sani Reacts
Reacting to El-Rufai’s statement, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, tweeted on Thursday: “Kaduna suffered from banditry in the forest, Govt House – El-Rufai. Yes, even the forest of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, where cows graze around it, was not spared.”
Background
Kaduna State has been battling with security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, in recent years. The state government has taken several measures to address the situation, including launching security operations, negotiating with bandits, and implementing amnesty programs.
Importance
El-Rufai’s statement highlights the extent of the security challenges faced by Kaduna State. It also shows the government’s commitment to tackling the problem and improving security for residents. Shehu Sani’s reaction raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security measures and the safety of government facilities.
