CONCERNED CHIKUN RESIDENT WRITES LG CHAIRMAN, DEMANDS URGENT SECURITY ACTION AMID REPEATED KIDNAPPING REPORTS. (PHOTO).

 Concerned Chikun Resident Writes LG Chairman, Demands Urgent Security Action Amid Repeated Kidnapping Reports

A concerned resident of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Grace Ndi Bamaiyi, has called on the Chairman of the council, Hon. Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa, to take urgent and concrete measures to support security efforts amid reported cases of kidnapping and attacks across communities in the area.

Bamaiyi made the call in an open letter addressed to the chairman, in which she raised concerns over what she described as repeated attacks on communities including Maraban Rido and Bagado.

According to her, about four families were reportedly kidnapped in Bagado, an area between Karji and Kamazou, two days before the publication of the letter.

She further alleged that additional abductions were reported in Bagado and Maraban Rido the following day.

Bamaiyi also referred to an earlier incident around Kujama, where, according to her, bandits reportedly blocked a highway in broad daylight before soldiers eventually pursued them.

The reported incidents, she said, have heightened concerns among residents over the level of support being provided by the Chikun Local Government Council to communities and security agencies.

‘Where Is the Local Government?’

While acknowledging that security operations are primarily the responsibility of state and federal security agencies, Bamaiyi argued that the local government has an important supporting role to play.

She said the council could mobilise resources, provide logistics to security personnel, improve infrastructure, facilitate coordination between communities and security agencies, and strengthen local security structures.

“An LGA Chairman does not have the authority to single-handedly stop banditry or kidnapping,” she said, adding that this should not prevent the council from using the resources and influence available to it to support security operations.

Residents Fund Security Measures

Bamaiyi further alleged that residents of communities including Karji, Kamazou and Mahuta have been contributing their personal resources to support security efforts.

According to her, residents have contributed funds for solar lights, walkie-talkies, torchlights, rain boots, raincoats and other security-related equipment.

She added that, in some cases, residents had also contributed towards accommodation for security personnel and local vigilantes operating in their communities.

Bamaiyi questioned why residents should bear the financial burden of such interventions when the local government has resources at its disposal.

“Residents should not have to privately finance the basic logistical requirements of a security response,” she said.

Cites Kachia as Example

The Chikun resident also cited alleged security-support initiatives in Kachia Local Government Area as an example of how local councils could complement the work of security agencies.

She claimed that the Kachia council had supported security operations through the provision of communication equipment, accommodation for security personnel, vehicle fuelling, motorcycles for patrols and solar lighting at strategic locations.

According to her, similar practical interventions could be considered for vulnerable communities in Chikun.

Calls for Immediate Security Assessment

Among her demands, Bamaiyi called on the Chikun Local Government Council to conduct an immediate security assessment of vulnerable communities, particularly Bagado and Maraban Rido.

She said the assessment should identify gaps in lighting, access roads, communication, mobility and other logistical requirements affecting security operations.

She also urged the council to consider installing solar streetlights at identified security hotspots and providing appropriate logistical support to security personnel and recognised vigilante groups.

Other demands include the establishment of a regular security coordination mechanism involving the local government, traditional rulers, community representatives and relevant security agencies.

According to her, such a mechanism should provide a consistent platform for reporting threats, identifying security hotspots, coordinating responses and following up on unresolved concerns.

Demands Transparency on Security Spending

Bamaiyi also called for greater transparency regarding resources being committed to security-related interventions in Chikun LGA.

She clarified that she was not asking the council to disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise security, but rather to provide residents with information about practical support being provided, the communities being prioritised and the resources being committed.

“Residents deserve to know what practical support is being provided, which communities are receiving it and what resources are being committed,” she said.

‘Residents Deserve Clear Answers’

Bamaiyi said residents were seeking specific answers from the council on what measures were currently being implemented, the resources being committed, the communities being prioritised, the interventions planned, the officials responsible for implementation and the expected timelines.

She also called for a mechanism through which residents could monitor whether announced commitments had been fulfilled.

“We cannot continue to have residents contributing their personal money for solar lights, communication equipment, accommodation and basic logistics while communities are being attacked repeatedly,” she said.

Bamaiyi stressed that her demands were not for the local government to assume the responsibilities of security agencies, but for it to use its available resources and influence to complement existing security operations.

She urged the Chikun Local Government Council, under the leadership of Hon. Salasi Nuhu Musa, to respond to the concerns raised and provide residents with clear information on measures being taken to improve security across the area.