Gwarzo Accuses Gov Yusuf of Failing to Tackle Rising Insecurity in Kano

The governorship candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of failing in his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents, alleging that insecurity has worsened across the state under the current administration.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Gwarzo described the security situation in Kano as alarming, claiming that the state was experiencing an unprecedented wave of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities.

According to him, several local government areas, including Tsanyawa, Shanono and Gwarzo, have witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminals who have allegedly killed residents, looted property and abducted people. He said some of those kidnapped during the attacks have remained in captivity for more than six months.

Gwarzo alleged that dozens of people were killed during attacks in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, while similar incidents have occurred in other parts of the state. He maintained that the attacks have continued despite assurances by government authorities that measures were being taken to improve security.

The former deputy governor further claimed that the security challenges were not limited to rural communities, alleging that residents of metropolitan Kano had also fallen victim to violent crimes in recent weeks. He questioned the government’s claims of maintaining peace and security, insisting that many families had continued to suffer losses from criminal activities.

He also recalled an incident which he said occurred on the day the state’s deputy governor was sworn into office, alleging that five people were killed during an attack, while another victim later died from injuries sustained, bringing the death toll to six. According to him, the incident underscored the gravity of the security challenges facing the state.

Gwarzo further linked the worsening security situation to the state’s “Kano First” initiative, arguing that the policy had failed to deliver the peace and stability promised by the administration. He described the slogan as being similar to the “America First” policy popularised in the United States and questioned its effectiveness in addressing the state’s challenges.

According to him, supporters of the initiative had suggested that improved collaboration between political leaders and the Federal Government would lead to enhanced security in Kano. However, he maintained that insecurity had continued to escalate since the policy was introduced.

The NDC governorship candidate also criticised the administration for what he described as unfulfilled promises regarding security, arguing that residents expected tangible improvements following assurances from the government.

Gwarzo’s remarks come amid ongoing political exchanges between opposition figures and the Kano State Government over governance, development and security issues. The state government has consistently maintained that it remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and has continued to work with security agencies to address emerging security threats across the state.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kano State Government on Gwarzo’s latest allegations were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.

Source ……daily trust newspaper