Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has strongly condemned the recent abduction of 22 women and children by bandits in Southern Kaduna. He urged the Kaduna State Government and the military to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) to curb the rising insecurity in the region.
The senator expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of attacks in the area, particularly in the Kugauta community of Kusheka, Kumana Chiefdom, and Kitanda community of Geshere, Kumana Chiefdom, both in Kauru Local Government Area.
In a statement on Tuesday, Katung described the kidnappings as “heinous criminality” that has caused “immense pain, untold hardship, and shaken the well-being” of the affected communities.
“This renewed affront on the peace-loving people of Southern Kaduna stands condemned in its entirety,” he said. “These atrocities against our people must not continue unchecked. And it must stop now.”
He noted that the insecurity in Southern Kaduna affects several local government areas, including Kauru, Kachia, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, and Sanga.
Katung emphasized the constitutional duty of the government to protect its citizens.
“I am fully aware of the provisions of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he said. “For this reason, I have prioritized the safety and security of every citizen.”
To address the crisis, the senator revealed that he is collaborating with the Kaduna State Government and the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure the establishment of a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Kauru Local Government Area.
“I will continue to do whatever is necessary to secure the lives of our people,” he assured.
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While acknowledging the efforts of security forces, Katung urged them to intensify their operations to protect lives and property in Southern Kaduna.
“I commend the brave men and women of our security agencies for their efforts in taming the tide,” he said. “However, I appeal to them to redouble their efforts in ensuring the security of communities in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
He also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing vital information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals and their informants.
“We must support the security agencies to safeguard our communities,” he urged.
Katung expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and assured them that efforts were underway to restore peace and security.
“This, too, shall pass,” he said.
Southern Kaduna has witnessed an increase in attacks by armed groups, leading to deaths, kidnappings, and displacement. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect their communities.
With the senator’s push for a Forward Operation Base and increased military presence, there is hope that the government will take stronger action to address the worsening insecurity in the region.