Zaria Under Bandits’ Siege, Emir of Zazzau Cries Out

By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali has decried the security challenges occasioned by banditry and kidnapping in his domain, particularly in Zaria, saying it is under the siege of bandits.

The Emir who described the security situation as unacceptable and situation no one prays for, added that, Zaria residents now feel vulnerable and are in a state of fear.

It would be recalled that, a student was killed and 10 others including eight students and 2 lecturers were kidnapped when bandits attacked Kaduna State owned Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria last Thursday.

Twelve other persons were kidnapped by gunmen in an attack on a new residential area of Kofar Gayan/Kofar Kona axis of Zaria in the early hours of Sunday.

Meanwhile, Emir Bamalli who spoke while receiving in his palace on Monday heads of Security agencies in the state led by the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, lamented that, children can no longer go to school as bandits are moving about unchecked.

He however called for urgent security action, saying that, it will not be good for his people to remain under the fear of bandits for a long time.

“We are calling on security personnel and agencies to rise up to the challenge and put an end to this sad situation.

“We have several military formations in Zaria and environs yet our people are feeling unsafe due to banditry,” the Emir said.

The security heads however said that, the aim of the visit was to douse tension and build the confidence of Zaria residents.

They said they also came to commiserate with the Emirate over the recent spate of attacks and kidnappings of residents in the area.

They however assured the Emir that, they were working hard to put and end to all forms of criminality ravaging the area.

The Security Commissioner assured the Emir that, there is heavy presence of security in the 12 local government areas that make up the Zazzau Emirate.

Aruwan however noted that, it is not possible for security to be at every nook and cranny of the communities, hence the need for community leaders to collaborate with the security agencies in the area of intelligence gathering.