Following frequent attacks by bandits on their communities, the Kaduna State Government expressed its sympathy for the residents of Sanga Local Government Area on Friday.
This occurred during the presentation of staff of office to the Chief of Gwantu, His Highness, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi Karma, held in Gwantu, Sanga LGA, on Thursday, December 22, 2022, according to a statement signed by Governor Nasir el-Rufai and pasted on his Facebook wall on Friday.
While expressing sympathy to everyone who lost family members or property in the attack, Governor Nasir el-Rufai also reassured them that the security forces would continue to pursue bandits.
He urged all communities to maintain goodwill and mutual coexistence. He added: “As we approach the 2023 elections, I appeal to our traditional, community and religious leaders to continue preaching to ensure peaceful exercise of democratic rights. Let all those entitled to vote be encouraged to do so freely, in an atmosphere devoid of any violence or intimidation.”
He urged young people not to let politicians use them to restrict anyone’s constitutional right to vote for the party and candidate of his or her choice.
While congratulating the Gwantu Chiefdom’s residents, who have expressed their happiness at the restructuring of the old Gwantu Chiefdom that led to the creation of the Arak Chiefdom, Governor Nasir el-Rufai noted that Gwantu is a historical chiefdom with a long history that the Kaduna State Government re-established to address an administrative inconsistency.
“We, therefore, wish the people of this old chiefdom and the Gwantu Traditional Council every success in making it one of the best chiefdoms in the state, prospering in peace, unity and inclusion,” he said.
He also guaranteed that there would be sufficient security to allow people to exercise their right to vote.
“We urge His Royal Highness, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi Karma to see his new appointment as a call to service. We call on the members of the Gwantu Traditional Council, title holders and all ruling houses in the chiefdom to accord him respect and provide their full support to the new Chief of Gwantu. We appeal to all residents of Gwantu chiefdom to continue to uphold peace and harmonious coexistence,” he said.
