Kano govt reaffirms commitment to peace, security

Kano State Government has held separate stakeholders’ meetings with leaders of the South-South and South-East communities resident in the state, reaffirming its commitment to security, peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

The engagements, organised by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, were aimed at briefing the communities on the security situation in Kano, reassuring them of the government’s resolve to protect lives and property, and seeking their continued cooperation in sustaining peace and stability.

Speaking during the meeting with leaders of the South-South community, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the ministry serves as the official channel for engagement between the state government and all communities, associations and diplomatic missions operating in Kano.

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He described the South-South community as an integral part of Kano State, commending its members for maintaining law and order and for their contributions to the social and economic development of the state.

Waiya noted that the appointment of a Special Adviser from the South-South community underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusion in governance.

At a similar meeting with leaders of the South-East community, the commissioner stressed that Kano does not regard any group living in the state as strangers, noting that many members of the community were born and raised in Kano and consider the state their home.

According to him, the state government views all residents as stakeholders and partners in progress, regardless of ethnic or religious background.

Waiya assured both communities that the government is firmly in control of the security situation in the state, explaining that recent isolated incidents around border areas do not indicate that Kano is unsafe.

He said the government has strengthened the security architecture through the establishment of permanent Joint Task Force bases, provision of logistics and operational vehicles to security agencies, and the deployment of additional personnel.

He also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the inauguration of a large-scale neighbourhood watch initiative to complement existing security efforts.

The commissioner further highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in areas predominantly inhabited by members of the two communities, including major road constructions and other development initiatives, adding that additional projects had been approved and would soon commence.

While appreciating the economic and commercial contributions of the South-East community and the peaceful disposition of both groups, the government appealed to them to support security agencies with timely information, promote peace within their communities, and avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining stability.

Responding, the leader of the South-South community in Kano, His Highness Sarkin Edo, DCN Fred Akigbe, and the leader of the South-East community, His Highness Eze Ndigbo, Dr Boniface Ibekwe (Sarkin Igbo), said their people are peace-loving and would continue to support the Kano State Government in maintaining peace and security.

They noted that Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, a factor that continues to encourage their people to invest in the state and contribute to its economic growth.

The community leaders also commended the state government for recognising their contributions and for executing developmental projects in their areas.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed that peace is a collective responsibility and called on all communities in the state to work together to ensure Kano remains peaceful, secure and conducive for living, business and investment.