Following return of kidnapping by abductors, who often kill their victims, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state has held security meeting with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and political leaders in the state. The security meeting, which held behind closed doors, aimed at finding lasting solution to the spate of kidnappings and killing of victims in parts of the state to ensure enduring peace and security of lives and properties across the state.
Last month alone, Kaduna state witnessed three deadly kidnappings in parts of the state all in which the victims were shot.
On January 8, four seminarians were kidnapped at a Catholic seminary in Kakau by armed men in military uniform, following which three of them were later released but the fourth seminarian was killed.
On January 25, Dr Phillip Ataga’s house in Juji, Chikun LGA was attacked by armed bandits, who overpowered the local vigilante killing one of the vigilante members, they gained entrance into the house and made away with the Mrs Phillip Ataga and her two children.
The bandits later killed Dr Ataga’s wife, while still demanding for N20 million ransom for the two children.
Twice, passengers of Abuja-Kaduna train were attacked on their way home from the train station after disembarking, by suspected kidnappers along the Link road between the train station and Mando/ Kaduna Airport.
Last Sunday, a suspected suicide bomber, Nathaniel Samuel, attempted to bomb a Living Faith Church in Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA before the attempt was foiled and he was arrested.
A statement signed by the Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said, “The Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai on Tuesday presided over an emergency security meeting.
“The meeting had in attendance heads of the military, police and other security agencies in the state, along with local government chairmen and district heads of communities most impacted by security challenges. “Held behind closed doors, the emergency meeting took briefings from security agencies, chairmen of local government councils and district heads. Participants also heard from the state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, and Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, the Deputy Governor. “Several resolutions were reached at the meeting for immediate action. The Governor tasked the district heads to mobilise their communities to exercise vigilance and to support the security agencies with timely information. “The Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, the Director of State Services, Idris Koya, Commandant Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology, Rear Admiral Tanko Pani, Base Commander Nigerian Air Force, Group Capt HS Ahmed, and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Kafanchan, Col. GU Akpan, attended the emergency meeting,” Aruwan said.
