Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has appealed to northern political leaders to approach the region’s long standing insecurity with honesty, unity and a commitment to long term solutions.
Speaking in Kaduna during a visit by the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Empowerment Centre, he said the North has endured persistent violent attacks for about fifteen years due to social, economic and governance problems.
Sani urged leaders to prioritise tackling poverty, underdevelopment, illiteracy and other conditions that fuel criminality and extremism. According to him, affected communities are part of the region’s fabric, and meaningful solutions must originate from within. He stressed that civil society groups should remain active on security issues while avoiding partisan conflicts. “The communities affected are ours, and the solutions must come from within,” he said.
He explained that schools, worship centres and communities across the North have frequently been targeted by criminal groups, some of which operate across borders with neighbouring countries. This, he said, has created a complex security environment that requires coordinated regional action. Sani noted that the attacks have continued to impact social and economic life in the region.
While acknowledging the troubling security situation in Kaduna, he commended Governor Uba Sani for efforts aimed at improving safety and reducing religious tensions in flashpoint areas such as Birnin Gwari. He also noted that the current federal administration has taken steps to address national security challenges, though he stressed that more remains to be done.
Sani warned that with the 2027 elections drawing closer, security risks could escalate if preventive strategies are not strengthened. He emphasised that foreign nations cannot solve Nigeria’s internal conflicts, saying the country must rely on stronger armed forces and unity among citizens. “Foreign powers cannot resolve our security challenges,” he said.
Representatives of the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Skill Empowerment Centre expressed concern over recurring kidnappings, especially of schoolchildren. They urged authorities to act decisively to protect vulnerable groups and appealed to Sani to push their concerns to the relevant authorities for urgent intervention.
