THE way and manner security is deteriorating in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State should be the thing of concern to all of us because Ningi is gradually descending into an insecurity hotspot in the state. Virtually on a daily basis you hear stories of suspected kidnappers’ attack on towns and villages.
I travelled home recently to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, as it has been my custom every year, but what I saw was very scary. This year’s Sallah in Burra and most parts of Ningi Local Government was not only colourless but full of fear and uncertainty. Our traditional rulers who make every Sallah festivity colourful deserted their domains because of the fear of abduction by the rampaging kidnappers.
From Kafin Lemo to Tabla, Yadagungume to Balma and most strategic communities, the kidnappers operate mercilessly, abducting, killing, collecting ransom and issuing threats.
The rampaging kidnappers focus on abducting traditional rulers, wealthy individuals and businessmen. Village heads of Balma, Bukutumbe, the family of the village head of Magamin Kano in neighbouring Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, among many other individuals were all kidnapped. Some are still in captivity.
Most of businessmen and wealthy individuals in Balma, Musussuka, Tabla, Bashe, Agwarmaji, Balma, Dingis, Jangu, Jimi, Yadagungume, Yuwa, Tipchi, Sabuwar Kaura, Gamji, Ruwan Dinya, Gwandabi, Agwarmaji, Bukutumbe, Dogon Ruwa and many other villages have gone into hiding and their businesses and enterprises are closed down for the fear of the kidnappers.
Recently, we received another shocking report of abduction of five individuals in Jimi and killing of a southern businessman in Balele. This is the story every day in Ningi.
Therefore, to efficiently tackle the insecurity bedeviling Ningi Local Government, the authorities should not only face the criminals, but also look at the causes of the problems and eliminate them.
The government must take decisive action on the issue of illegal sale of some forest reserves in Ningi Local Government by acting on the recommendations of various committees it had established to investigate the matter.
Furthermore, Governor Bala Muhammad should come up with a state policy on our forest reserves with a view to making them into proper and safe use.
Our security agencies should be proactive, engage in more intelligent gathering and work with their colleagues in Kano State in order restore normalcy in our local government.
- Abdul Ahmad Burra, Ningi LGA, Bauchi State
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