Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has appealed to the military and the police to step up their presence in the Tudun Biri general area.

Mr Sani said the appeal became imperative following threats from efforts to rebuild the community after the bomb blast in December 2023.

The governor made the call on Tuesday in Kaduna at the State Core Security Council Meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in the frontline areas.

Mr Sani said the meeting was to brainstorm on the situation in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko LGAs and the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

He said the state had enjoyed relative peace along the Kaduna-Abuja road for about 18 months until the sudden, unfortunate and disturbing attack.

According to him, the recent occurrences on the axis indicated the reopening of a front on that route, pointing to the strong need for renewed focus and coordination.

”Bandits and terrorists have exploited gaps, particularly around Maganda, Kuyello and other villages surrounding Buruku, Udawa, Damba, Kuriga, Polewire and other flash points.

”They have been carrying out ambushes on citizens, as well as security forces attempting to respond to distress calls.

”Chikun, Giwa and Igabi have become areas of concern as well because Maraban Rido and Kudendan axis in Chikun, Sauran Goma, Kerawa, and Dunki areas of Igabi have also witnessed attacks and killings,” said Mr Sani.

Mr Sani explained that the government was considering establishing the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund.

He said this would be a means of collaborating with corporate organisations, the business community, industrialists, and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support for security forces.

Mr Sani said, ”Deepening human intelligence networks is an obvious area requiring urgent review towards restoring peace and security along these critical highways and the troubled communities.”

The governor, however, appreciated the security agencies for helping maintain the peace throughout the festive period and into the beginning of the new year.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security and safety of the lives and properties of the people across the state.

Mr Sani revealed that the state government was working with the Defence Headquarters to establish some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the state.

Those present at the meeting included the Emirs of Zazzau, Birnin Gwari, Etsu Chikun, Agom Kachia and the Chief of Kufana.

Others were the Emir of Kauru and Chief of Dnata, the chairmen of Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun and Kachia local government councils.

(NAN)