Kaduna State government is making plans to relocate three communities along Abuja – Kaduna express way
for alleged connivance with bandits to carry attacks on motorist plying the road.
Governor Nasiru Elrufai announced this while receiving the first quarter security report of this year held at government house Kaduna.
Malam Nasiru Elrufai expressed concern that, the security report continues to mention Rijana , Katari and Akilogu axis especially when bandits carry out attacks along road.
According to him, Kaduna State government will explore on the measures to take on the three settlements, adding that, it is either to relocate them near Kagarko or to clear the entire settlement subject to security council deliberation on the options.
He remarked that it was clear there were higher level of informants and criminals in the locations.
Malam Nasiru Elrufai also noted that, the problem of insecurity had moved from the North east to the North west region of the country.
He said the situation in the North West is far more serious and dangerous than the situation that happened in the North East, and called on military and security agencies to take notice of that before it gets out of control.
According to governor Elrufai, the presentation of the security report has brought out new emerging concerns that he want the security council to take note with a view to proffering solutions .
Malam Nasiru Elrufai also expressed concern over high rate of drug abuse in the state, while commending traditional and religious leaders as well as NDLEA for their effort aimed at addressing the menace.
“I think we should give KASUPDA very clear directive that any building or patent stored selling hard drugs should be shutdown and the building acquire by the government and demolish”
“I think the Attorney General can advise either we can legally do this, but I think we have to take drastic action, because related to every form of criminality from the banditry to terrorism to any other crime you can see drugs play a major role.
While presenting the report, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan explained that, the report covered banditry and terrorism, kidnapping, rape perpetrated by armed bandits, cattle rustling, communal and inter ethics clashes, violet attacks and reprisal.
Aruwan noted that, 360 persons died within the first quarter of the this year as a result of bandits attacks and other clashes, stressing that, Kaduna Central recorded the highest casualties with 214 deaths.
Mr Aruwan said 1389 people were kidnapped during the period with Kaduna Central Senatorial District recording 1, 083 while Southern Kaduna recorded 249 kidnap cases.
According to him, 10 persons were reported to have been raped by bandits across the state from January to March this year.
The Commissioner also revealed that, 258 citizens were injured across the state due to banditry , terrorism and violent attack among others.
Mr Samuel Aruwan also disclosed that, 3251 animals were rustled in the first quarter with 3137 stolen from Kaduna Central.
The report also indicated that, gunrunners were intercepted and arrested with 18 AK rifles, seven sub machine guns, five pump action rifles and nine resolvers as well as 22 AK 47 Magazine, 5 pump action cartridges and 1195 round of live ammunition.
He added that, more intensive engagement have been initiated towards mitigating the threat of terrorism elements.
AMINU DALHATU