Contrary to insinuations that Kaduna State government has not shown concern on the incessant attacks in Southern Kaduna, the government said it has taken measures towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among its citizens.
The State Deputy Governor, Barnabas Bala Bantex, while briefing Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, said governor Nasir El-Rufai was tackling insecurity in the area and other parts of the state.
Bantex said provision of security to all citizens of the State was top among priorities of governor El-Rufai’s led government, as part of the campaign promises made to the electorates during electioneering period.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting jointly organised by the office of the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State and Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), to find lasting solution to the lingering security challenges in Southern Kaduna, he said government was doing everything to safeguard lives and property in the state.
The deputy Governor who dispelled accusations labelling the government as insensitivity with regards to attacks in the Southern part of the state, said it was not true that government was insensitive and unresponsive with regards to attacks in the area, considering some measures already taken to address the issue.
Bantex noted: “This government has demonstrated enough political will to address securitychallenges.
“The previous government in the state failed to implement recommendations of the peace and reconciliation committee set up by Late Governor Patrick Yakowa which recommended setting up a committee to study challenges in Southern Kaduna and recommend to government measures to be taken.
“On 1st July 2015, Malam Nasir El-Rufai inaugurated the Martin Luther Agwai committee to stamp out attacks on Southern Kaduna communities, which has since submitted it report to the government and the government is dutifully implementing the recommendations therein.
“This government is also aware that unemployment among youths is a major contributor to youth restiveness and insecurity. Measures are being taken to create job opportunities by wooing investors into the state. Multi-million Dollar investments are pouring into the state that would create thousands of jobs for the unemployed youths.”
The deputy governor lamented the negative impact of colonial rule on the psyche of the people, by making them believe that government should do everything for them.
He stated that in the past, people usually embarked on community development programmes, a practice now neglected.
He decried the failure of the previous government to make education and other social interventions accessible to the Fulani herdsmen who were allowed to wonder in the bush, a situation that was responsible to some of the security challenges being faced today.
Bantex, reiterated the resolve of the administration to make the state peaceful and safe for every citizen:
“This government recognises peace and security as very cardinal to development. We are therefore, committed to doing all we can to ensure that the people live in a secure environment peacefully,” he said.
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