Dear Governor Yusuf,
I write to you as a concerned citizen of this great state to express my deepening alarm over the escalating insecurity that now grips our communities.
Although Kano has enjoyed a relatively higher level of peace than its neighboring states for years, the recent so-called peace accord in Katsina State has placed Kano at increased risk—particularly the local-government areas that share borders with Katsina.
The growing security challenges facing Kano are likely linked to the movement of bandits into our state. These same bandits have been wreaking havoc in border communities, terrorizing innocent residents and disrupting daily life.
In recent days, the surge in kidnappings and violent attacks on villagers has left many communities in fear, disrupted agricultural activities, and threatened the very fabric of our society.
The impact of this crisis is evident in the abandonment of several villages in Tsanyawa and Shanono, where families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. This is no longer a matter of statistics; it is a lived reality affecting every indigene of Kano especially the most vulnerable: women, children, and the elderly.
The basis of the social contract between the people and the state is the provision of security as a fundamental right and entitlement for every citizen. Yet, in the current situation, it appears that governments at all levels have lost the ability to protect the people—a constitutional duty they swore to uphold.
The situation worsens daily as criminals sense a vacuum in political will and the capacity of those in authority, which they exploit with disastrous consequences for individuals and communities. Maintaining law and order is everyone’s responsibility, for insecurity does not differentiate or discriminate; and when it strikes, the damage is always widespread.
Consequently, the issue of insecurity in Kano has become a grave concern for all. Today, Kano State—my state, my home—is facing a grave security threat.
Yet some “willing tools” take to social media to insult anyone who raises concerns—whether in good faith or otherwise—subjecting them to cyber-bullying. These selfish individuals, who sell their conscience for peanuts, misinterpret every call for accountability as an attack on the AKY administration.
Security is not about praise-singing or deliberate attempts to mislead the public; it is measured by the safety citizens experience each day. I appeal to your leadership to act decisively, to strengthen collaboration between the government and the traditional institutions that have historically safeguarded our communities, and to ensure that Kano’s future is not defined by fear.
Regardless of political differences or viewpoints, the people of Kano stand ready to support any initiative that brings lasting peace to our state.
To be honest, people’s hope in the country has been dashed and the trust placed in the government has been betrayed. Administration after administration has been marked by insecurity and other untold hardships that have failed miserably to curb the menace.
In the wider scope of the country, governments at all levels are not on top of the situation because, each passing day, Nigerians are maimed by armed bandits, and these criminals displaying a certain degree of impunity scatter and walk freely.
I trust that, under your guidance, Kano will once again enjoy the security and prosperity it deserves.
I humbly request your indulgence to consider the following advice.
Strengthen coordination between state security agencies and traditional rulers, who are closest to the grassroots and can provide timely intelligence.
Deploy additional mobile patrols to high-risk areas to ensure a visible presence that deters criminal activity.
Support community-based vigilante groups with proper training and equipment, while maintaining oversight to prevent abuse.
Accelerate the provision of basic infrastructure—roads, communication networks, and lighting—in rural settlements to reduce isolation.
Establish a rapid response mechanism for reporting and addressing incidents, with clear timelines for action.
Issue an executive order declaring the local-government areas bordering Katsina State as militarized zones to help curb the menace in affected areas.
Resolve any misunderstandings—if they exist—between you and other heads of security agencies operating in the state, and work closely with them to ensure a united front against insecurity.
Fouad a concerned citizen of Kano State Can be reached at: 08075704500