By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

The Kaduna State Government has appealed to the military and the Police to step up their presence in the Tudun Biri general area.

The government said that the appeal became imperative in view of threats arising from efforts to rebuild the community after the unfortunate incident of a bomb blast that occurred in December 2023.

Gov Uba Sani made the call on Tuesday in Kaduna at the State Core Security Council Meeting with traditional rulers and Local Government Chairmen in the frontline areas.

Sani said that the aim of the meeting was to brainstorm on the situation in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko LGAs and the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

He said that the state had enjoyed relative peace along the Kaduna-Abuja road for about 18 months until the sudden, unfortunate and disturbing attack.

According to him, the recent occurrences on that axis clearly indicated the re-opening of a front on that routes, pointing to strong the need for renewed focus and coordination, Snai said: “Bandits and terrorists have exploited gaps particularly around Maganda, Kuyello and other villages surrounding Buruku, Udawa, Damba, Kuriga, Polewire and other flash points.

“They have been carrying out ambushes on citizens, as well as security forces attempting to respond to distress calls.

“Chikun, Giwa and Igabi have become areas of concern as well; because Maraban Rido and Kudendan axis in Chikun, Sauran Goma, Kerawa and Dunki areas of Igabi have also witnessed attacks and killings.”

Sani explained that the government was looking at the possibility of establishing the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund.

He said this would be a means of collaborating with corporate organisations, the business community, industrialists, and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support for security forces.

According to him, on the side of security agencies and in light of the challenges, it has become vital to further close ranks, rub minds and revisit the extant collaborative structures.

Sani said, “Deepening human intelligence networks is an obvious area requiring urgent review, towards restoring peace and security along these critical highways and to the troubled communities.”

The governor, however, appreciated the security agencies for helping to maintain the peace all through the festive period and into the beginning of the new year.

”We are deeply grateful for all the positive steps taken in that regard and in several other key areas,” he said.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security and safety of lives and properties of the people across the state.

According to him, security is the cornerstone for the realisation of his administration’s Sustain Agenda, adding, “so we have been pursuing the deployment of more boots on the ground through more military formations.

“I am happy to inform you that very soon, there will be establishment of some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the state.

“This move will greatly assist the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations”.

Sani revealed that the state government was working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualising the plans.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those present at the meeting included the Emirs of Zazzau, Birnin Gwari, Etsu Chikun, Agom Kachia and the Chief of Kufana. Others were the Emir of Kauru and Chief of Dnata, the Chairmen of Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun and Kachia Local Government Councils. (NAN)

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