By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called on his counterparts across the country to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement for all Nigerian citizens, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He emphasized that one of the core responsibilities of any government is the protection of lives and property, regardless of a person’s origin, religion, or ethnic background.
“Whether you are from Kaduna State or elsewhere, as long as you reside in Kaduna, we have the responsibility to protect your life and property and to ensure you live in peace,” the governor stated.
Governor Sani made the remarks during a condolence visit to Kudan Local Government Area, where he sympathized with the families of the 12 travellers who were murdered in Mangu, Plateau State, while on their way to a wedding. His comments were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Ibraheem Musa.
Leading a high-powered delegation of senior government officials, the governor commended the people of Kudan for maintaining peace and not resorting to reprisals despite the painful loss of their kith and kin.
He recalled that following the tragic incident, he had immediately dispatched a delegation of commissioners led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, to offer condolences to the bereaved families.
The governor further disclosed that he visited survivors of the attack receiving treatment at the 44 Military Hospital in Kaduna on Monday.
“I am also here in their community to commiserate with them and thank them for remaining peaceful,” he said.
Governor Sani expressed satisfaction with the peaceful coexistence in the community, noting that even the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government had acknowledged that Christians and Muslims live harmoniously.
“This is a clear testament that in Kaduna State, everyone is living in peace irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. We are a highly diverse state, but we strive to maintain peace,” he added.
He noted that Kaduna State has not recorded any ethno-religious crisis in the last two years due to his administration’s commitment to peace and unity.
In appreciation of the community’s peaceful disposition, Governor Sani promised to construct a road from Kudan to Basawa in Sabon Gari Local Government Area and to build a hospital for the people of Kudan.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of Kudan Local Government, Alhaji Dauda Iliya Abba, expressed gratitude to the governor for his concern and continuous support.
He said the governor had been mourning with the people since the killings occurred last Friday and described him as a compassionate and just leader.
The chairman affirmed that the people of Kudan are a united family and assured that there would be no reprisal attacks following the tragic killing of the travellers in Plateau State.
