May 19, (THEWILL) -Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised an alarm about the activities of terrorist groups in the State.
The Governor warned that the conduct of the 2023 general elections might be compromised in Kaduna state, if the security challenges are not addressed.
El-Rufai spoke on Thursday during the presentation of the first quarter security report for 2022 to the state’s security council by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.
The Governor, who hinted that those who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train were Boko Haram terrorists, expressed concern that the insurgents are moving from the North-East to the North-West, with the intention of causing havoc.
While presenting the security report for 2022 to the state’s security council, Aruwan, said members of the Ansaru and Boko Haram terrorists groups have infiltrated some parts of Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas.
He said the terrorists have been luring locals with gifts with a view to recruiting them into the criminal organisations.
According to the Commissioner, “no fewer than 360 people have been killed by suspected terrorists in different parts of Kaduna State from January to April.
“Kaduna central senatorial zone recorded the highest casualties with 214 deaths, the Commissioner.”
Aruwan further noted that 1,389 people were kidnapped by bandits in different attacks across Kaduna State during the period under review, including the 62 victims of the March 28 attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train.
Earlier in April, THEWILL had observed in its report, tittled: “Insecurity, Incompetence Threaten 2023 General Election”, that Killing has become the norm in Kaduna state.
The report, as well, noted that declaring a state of emergency in the State may be the most feasible step to restore sanity and peace.
“For over four years now, Kaduna State has been a killing field, with violent attacks by terrorists claiming thousands of lives, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where sectarian violence has deepened. Almost on a daily basis, reports of attacks in the state make newspaper headlines.
“Ironically, Kaduna is host to multiple elite military institutions – 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigerian Defense Industry, Nigerian Airforce Training School, Nigerian Police College, Nigerian Navy School of Armament, Kachia, Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, Bassawa Zaria, the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Army Operation Base, Southern Kaduna and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry”, the report stated.
Governor El-Rufai had also expressed similar concern, while reacting to the terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train.
El-Rufai did, among other things, say, “We are in a state of war. This place should be declared a war zone. The Army, Air Force, and the Police should go in there and kill them. Will there be innocent casualties? Yes! In every war situation, there are casualties.”
He went on to express his frustration and helplessness, saying, “I’m angry, frustrated and feel totally helpless.”
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