Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has urged opposition parties to refrain from politicizing the issue of insecurity, emphasizing that banditry cannot be eradicated solely through military force. The governor made this statement at a public presentation of a book written by the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, which was translated into Arabic by Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo.
Governor Sani noted that the insecurity in the North West is distinct from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, as it is driven by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and neglect of rural communities. He stressed that insecurity cannot be resolved solely through the use of firearms, and that anyone claiming otherwise is engaging in political posturing. The governor emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, citing the reduction in Nigeria’s security manpower despite significant population growth over the past 45 years.
In 1970, Nigeria had approximately 300,000 soldiers, but today the number has decreased to fewer than 250,000, despite a population increase of over 100 million. Governor Sani highlighted the absence of security presence in large parts of the Northwest, citing areas such as Zamfara, Birnin Gwari, and the forests of Katsina, where one can travel 50 kilometers without encountering a single policeman or soldier.
The Kaduna Peace Model, which emphasizes a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity, was initiated by affected communities and involves traditional and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders. Governor Sani identified poverty, unemployment, lack of schools, hospitals, and commerce in rural areas as root causes of crime and emphasized the need for leaders to take responsibility.
The governor represented President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honor at the occasion, which was organized by Jamaátu Izalatul Bidáh Wa ‘iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) on Saturday. Governor Sani’s remarks underscore the complexity of addressing insecurity in Nigeria and the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of banditry and other forms of crime. By emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives and non-kinetic approaches, Governor Sani is highlighting the need for a nuanced and sustainable solution to the insecurity challenges facing the country.
