As Nigeria continues to face multiple problems including the persistence of security challenges, ranging from terrorism to banditry, and the unfortunate toll in killings, kidnappings, injuries and threats to the livelihoods of the people.
Recently, Kaduna state government stated that 1,266 persons were killed and 4,973 kidnapped by terrorists in the last 15 months.
Out of the total figure, 214 between January and March 2023.
The number of persons injured during the period was said to be 116.
Samuel Aruwan the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs who revealed this while presenting the security report of the first quarter of 2023 and the entire 2022 security situation in Kaduna State, said,
“In Kaduna Central Senatorial District, 115 deaths were recorded (54 per cent of the total). 108 of these occurred in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs each recorded 32 deaths, Chikun LGA 25, Igabi LGA 13, and Kajuru LGA six deaths in the first quarter of 2023.”
Resulting from the unending attacks by bandits/terrorists, communal clashes, violent attacks, and reprisals, he explained that from January to March 2023 individuals were killed noting that 12 females, including 10 minors, were rape victims.
Aruwan stated further that 717 bandits were neutralised in the 15 months under review. This comprised the 628 killed by troops in 2022 and 89 in the first quarter of 2023.
Reacting to the report, Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-rufai, voiced concern over the losses, saying that records and thorough information on the ongoing security issues have prompted an intensification of security operations in the Northwest ahead of the inauguration of a new administration on May 29.