By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The flag-off of a rural road project in Makarfi Local Government Area by Governor Uba Sani has sparked outrage among Southern Kaduna politicians, who described the move as insensitive given recent bandit attacks in their communities.
Edward John Auta, a political stalwart from Narom Village in Zangon Kataf LGA, criticized the governor for prioritizing road construction while families in Southern Kaduna were mourning loved ones killed by bandits. He lamented the absence of a condolence message, a government delegation to the affected communities, or the provision of relief materials for survivors.
Auta, in a statement titled “Southern Kaduna Attacks: A Call for Compassion and Action by Governor Uba Sani in the Face of Banditry,” said the situation highlighted the state government’s misplaced priorities and disregard for the suffering of Southern Kaduna people.
“It’s disheartening to see Governor Uba Sani flagging off a rural road in Makarfi while communities in Southern Kaduna are mourning the loss of loved ones. The absence of condolence, support, or assurances of justice is a stark reminder of the government’s lack of concern,” he said.
He further accused the government of focusing on propaganda instead of human lives, stressing that ignoring communities affected by attacks that claimed nine lives and displaced several others was “unconscionable.”
“The people of Southern Kaduna deserve protection, and when that fails, they deserve commiseration and justice. Diverting attention from the killings to a road project is condemnable,” Auta added.
Meanwhile, Governor Sani vowed to pursue justice for the 13 Kaduna travellers killed in Mangun, Plateau State, while on their way to a wedding. Speaking at the groundbreaking of a six-kilometre road linking Kudan and Sabon Gari LGAs, the governor said protecting lives and property remained his priority.
He recalled that 11 of the victims were from Unguwan Dantsoho village in Kudan LGA, where he had earlier provided financial assistance and housing for the bereaved families. He explained that residents had also complained of poor infrastructure during his condolence visit, which prompted the road project.
Governor Sani noted that Kudan LGA had not benefited from any road construction in 12 years and promised to change that by delivering both road and healthcare projects. He also pledged to support women with financial assistance.
Taking a swipe at past administrations, he said some politicians were only interested in media appearances while failing to deliver meaningful development. He stressed that his government was focused on taking development to both urban and rural communities.
The governor commended residents of the area for their peaceful disposition and urged them to sustain it, insisting that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
