By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Following the worsening security situation, an emergency security meeting was summoned on Tuesday, by Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, declaring that more military Forward Operation Bases would be established across the state.
This was as he tasked the Military and Police in the state, to step up their presence in Tudun Biri general area in view of threats arising from efforts to rebuild the community after the erroneous military drone attack in December last year.
He said the state government was considering establishment of Kaduna State Security Trust Fund, as a means of collaborating with corporate organizations, the business community, industrialists, professional groups, individuals and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support to security forces.
Speaking at the opening of the security meeting which had in attendance traditional leaders and top security officers, Governor Sani said in the renewed attacks, bandits and terrorists have exploited gaps – particularly around flash points to carry out ambushes on citizens, as well as security forces attempting to respond to distress calls.
According to the Governor, “the purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm on the situations in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and the Kaduna-Abuja Road. There was security on the Kaduna-Abuja Road for about 18 months, until the sudden unfortunate and disturbing attack and kidnapping.
“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.
“The recent occurrences on that axis clearly indicate the re-opening of a front on that route, and this points us strongly to the need for renewed focus and coordination.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 Kaduna State Government is working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualizing these plans. 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.
“The Kaduna State Government is looking at the possibility of establishing the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund as a means of collaborating with corporate organizations, the business community, industrialists, professional groups, individuals and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support to our security forces
“On the side of security agencies, and in light of the challenges we are confronting, I must state that it has become vital for us to further close ranks, rub minds and revisit our collaborative structures. Deepening and strengthening of human intelligence networks is an obvious area requiring urgent review, towards restoring peace and security along these critical highways, and to the troubled communities.
“It is my sincere hope that we will deliberate openly, extensively and productively, and proffer lasting solutions to these problems. I look forward to receiving your valuable contributions. I thank you all for your presence. God bless you all,” Governor Sani said.
In a related development, National Commission For Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Kaduna State over the Tudun Biri drone attack.
Leading the delegation, the Hon. Federal Commissioner, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed said the commission will also be flagging off
distribution of relief items to IDPs in Kaduna state in partnership with Kaduna SEMA
