Insecurity: Association calls for engagement with Stakeholders in Kaduna State

The President of Katari Development Association in Kaduna State, Mr Makeri Muhammad has called for engagement with stakeholders and relevant government agencies to tackle insecurity in the state

Mr Makeri Muhammad who doubles as the spokesman of the Rijana, Katari and Kilbu communities along the Abuja-Kaduna highway made the call in Kaduna.

Danjuma was reacting to the proposed plan by Governor Nasiru El-Rufai to relocate residents of the three communities on alleged connivance with bandits that carry out attacks on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

He lamented that the report being circulated of the area in a bad light is unfortunate and not the true representation of the people of the area who are themselves victims of the incessant attacks.

“Records show that many of our people have been kidnapped, raped, maimed or killed by these bandits or terrorists, while many of our farmers cannot access their farmlands and others have to pay levies to bandits before they can access their farms.

“Presently, the village head of Rijana, Mr Ayuba Dodo Dakolo and about 24 members of his communities are in the hands of bandits. Similarly, twelve members of the Katari community also, including women and children are also in the hands of bandits.“

Muhammad lamented that there was no rationale whatsoever for government to think of clearing or relocating people in the communities rather than deal with any member of the communities that are found wanting according to the law of the land.

The Association President advised the Kaduna state government and security agencies to place the needed control on identifiable flash spots in the region where bandits normally take undue advantage to perpetrate their heinous acts based on their available security reports.

“The route that traverses the highway between Katari and Kurmin Kare should be blocked by locating a strong military presence and the large land in the government’s forest reserve spanning between Katari, Gidan Busa, kilbu and Rishi should all have a strong security outfit”.

He further added that government can also recruit more members and youths of the communities into the security forces to reinforce the concept of community policing.

Mr Muhammad who was in the company of many residents of the three communities also called for enhanced military equipment for security personnel to address modern-day security challenges.

PIAK