In an unprecedented response operation, members of the security forces would later rescue no fewer than 172 students and eight workers of the school from the jaws of their abductors. As at last night when this column went to bed, no fewer than 30 students, comprising male and females, were still missing.
Considering last Wednesday’s presentation of the Kaduna State 2020 Annual Security Report by the Ministry of Internal Security and Internal Affairs headed by Mr. Samuel Aruwan, it is incontrovertible that the administration of el-Rufai is irreversibly committed to the complete decimation of bandits and other criminal elements that have turned many states and the nation into a troubling vast land of insecurity.
As he had earlier noted in an interview with the BBC Hausa, Governor el-Rufai on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s intention not to dialogue with bandits. According to him, “Our position in Kaduna State has been clear, unequivocal and consistent. Bandits, cattle rustlers and armed militias must be degraded and decimated to a state of unconditional submission to constituted authority. We will neither negotiate with criminals of any description nor support any grant of amnesty.
Resolving the issue of insecurity is not the responsibility of government alone; citizens and critical stakeholders must be involved. It is commendable that members of the National Assembly are engaged in passing a bill for the establishment of state police. It is hoped that once such bill is passed, the hope for increased security surveillance can continue to blaze the trail in securing states and the country in general.
The need to lay aside political differences and engage shared efforts in safeguarding lives and property of citizens have become very crucial. Constant efforts must be mounted by states to earn public confidence in the government’s vision in crushing these criminal elements. Most essential, the need for community policing will not only provide more boots on the ground, gathering of Intelligence has the capacity to unleash lethal destruction on bandits.
He laid the foundation