By Adamu Yusuf
Residents of Millennium City in Kaduna State have called on the Federal, Kaduna State and Local Government authorities to urgently implement proactive measures to address the growing cases of kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling affecting communities in the area.
The Chairman of the Millennium City Security, Development and Enhancement Forum and Chairman of Katukan Danhonu Community, Alhaji Abu Mohammed, made the call while briefing newsmen on the resolutions reached at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at Government Science School, Danbushiya, Millennium City.
Alhaji Abu Mohammed expressed concern over the recent wave of insecurity, disclosing that about 11 persons had been affected by various security incidents within the last 10 days.
He said two persons were killed in a cattle rustling attack, while three others sustained serious injuries. He added that five residents were abducted near the Baban Saura Police Barracks, although two of the victims have since regained their freedom.
Presenting the resolutions of the meeting, Alhaji Abu Mohammed identified the completion of the Eastern Bypass road project as a top priority, describing the abandoned road and bridge construction as a major challenge to effective security operations in the area.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to expedite work on the Eastern Bypass and complete the bridge to improve accessibility for security agencies, facilitate the movement of heavy-duty vehicles and ensure prompt emergency response to security threats.
The meeting also resolved that strategic feeder roads should be constructed to link communities across the eastern axis of Millennium City, including Kadori, Baban Saura, Kyoto, Karuga, Nguamaji, Bagedo, Kakura and Kamazou, to enhance surveillance, improve mobility and strengthen security response.
Other resolutions included sustained collaboration among community leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies and residents through regular security meetings aimed at identifying emerging threats and developing practical community-based solutions.
Alhaji Abu Mohammed stressed that although security is everyone’s responsibility, government support remains indispensable.
He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilante groups, but noted that they require additional personnel, logistics and operational support to effectively secure the rapidly expanding communities.
He also expressed disappointment over the absence of representatives of many residential estates and the member representing the constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, despite invitations extended to them.
Alhaji Abu Mohammed, however, appreciated the councillor for attending the meeting on behalf of the local government chairman.
He observed that the security personnel currently deployed to Millennium City are inadequate to effectively police the vast and dispersed settlements with an estimated population of more than 50,000 residents.
The stakeholders therefore appealed to all levels of government to urgently implement the resolutions of the meeting by strengthening security presence, improving road infrastructure and providing the necessary support to security agencies to restore lasting peace and safeguard lives and property in Millennium City and surrounding communities.
Those present at the meeting included the DPO of Millennium City, the representatives of the Army, DSS, Village Head of Danbushiya, Wards Heads, representatives of TUC and MPH estates, media, representatives of fulani, religious leaders among others.
