Thousands of residents from Kaduna State have taken to the streets in a massive protest, demanding urgent government action to combat the escalating insecurity in the Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) and neighboring communities. The protest, which began earlier today, has drawn attention to the rising terrorist activities in the region and the devastating impact on local lives and livelihoods.
The protesters, led by community leaders, civil society organizations, and affected families, are calling on the federal and state governments to take decisive steps to eliminate the growing threat of terrorist groups, who have been responsible for several violent attacks, killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property in Kauru and surrounding areas.
"Our families are under siege, our villages are being overrun by terrorists, and the government has failed to protect us. We demand immediate action to restore peace and safety in our communities," said Musa Ibrahim, a resident of Kauru and one of the protest leaders.
The Kauru communities have faced repeated assaults by armed groups, with recent reports confirming a surge in attacks over the past few months. Many locals have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns and cities. Schools, markets, and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, plunging the region into a state of despair.
Residents are urging the government to deploy more security forces to patrol the area, investigate the perpetrators of these attacks, and bring those responsible to justice. They are also calling for improved intelligence gathering, community engagement, and collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence.
“We are calling for an immediate meeting with the state and federal authorities to address the alarming rise in terrorist activities. The time for mere promises is over. We need actions that will bring our people back home and restore our way of life,” stated Amina Abubakar, a spokesperson for the Kaduna-based advocacy group, Kaduna Peace Initiative.
The protesters have also called on humanitarian organizations to provide support to the displaced families, many of whom are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.
In a joint statement, the Kaduna State government expressed concern over the recent developments in Kauru and reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to protect citizens from the scourge of terrorism. The government has promised to increase patrols and intelligence efforts in the affected areas.