Although challenges of insecurity are pronounced in almost all parts of the Nigeria, Kaduna which had been one of the least with reported cases in Northwest, is now witnessing the scourge of dark spots of kidnapping and Banditry across the State.
For some years now, armed bandits suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have been having field days in the Southern part of the State maiming and killing, as well as destroying properties.
Gradually, the situation degenerated and spread to other parts of the State, including Birnin Gwari axis, which has almost become a no-go area.
In carrying out this heinous crime, homes are daily broken into and occupants abducted by bandits, farmers can no longer go to farm, travellers abducted, transporters of good and services are always afraid of plying their regular routes.
Another dangerous dimension to the prevailing security challenge is the attacks on schools, resulting in the abduction of hundreds of innocent students in the last four months, beginning with the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation Afaka, UBE Primary School Rama in Birnin Gwari, Greenfield University and the latest, Bethel Baptist school, as well as Ahmadu Bello University and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, where some lecturers were abducted.
In all this, little or no success was recorded in rescuing the abductees who were always left to their families or relatives to seek and secure their freedom after payment of ransom.
Government’s reaction has always been rhetorical condemnation in the face of depressed and helpless citizens. Added to this agony, are certain policies of state government being implemented, which residents feel has no human face, such as the urban renewal projects, which results in pulling down, or closing of shops, as well as sacking of workers. These were coming at the time when inflation and high cost of living are telling on the people.
The prevailing scenario in the State suggests that the Government of Kaduna State has not done enough to meet its primary responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, as well as considering the welfare of the people.
It is on record that the State government earmarked about N2.55 Bn in 2017 to procure CCTV and drones, to provide adequate security cover in the entire State.
Making provision is not enough, government must have political will through proper utilisation of funds and the stakeholders, including security personnel.
Government must not only be more proactive and taken preventive measures, but should be closer to the people by evolving policies that are aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment.
It is also our conviction that combating insecurity without carrying people along due to unpopular policies, will result to naught.