Kaduna Senator laments women, children’s abduction, to facilitate Forward Operation Base

Senator Sunday Katung has strongly condemned the recent attacks, killings, and kidnappings by terrorists in communities across his district.

The lawmaker expressed his deep worry over the renewed attacks, which he said have brought immense pains, untold hardship, and shaken the well-being of the people.

Arewa PUNCH reports that Senator Katung represents Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.

Specifically, the senator mentioned the abduction of 22 locals, mostly women and children, in separate attacks in the Kauru Local Government Area, Southern Kaduna.

He assured that he had prioritised the safety and security of every citizen just as he was collaborating with the Kaduna State Government and the Chief of Defence Staff to establish a Forward Operation Base in Kauru Local Government and other communities to confront the assailants.

The lawmaker said, “These atrocities against our people must not continue unchecked. And it must stop now.

“I am fully aware of the provisions of Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“I will continue to do whatever is necessary to secure the lives of our people.

“I appeal to the security agencies to redouble their efforts in ensuring the security of lives and property across communities in Southern Kaduna.”

The senator also urged the people to partner with the security agencies in providing relevant information that would lead to the arrest of the criminal elements and their informants.

“We must support the security agencies to safeguard our communities. Let me once again extend my deepest sympathies and commiserate with the families of the victims across our communities. This, too, shall pass,” Katung prayed.

Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Southern Kaduna under the aegis of Jama’atu Nasril Islam has commended Senator Katung for his inclusive empowerment programmes.

The Secretary-General of the Southern Kaduna chapter of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, Alhaji Illiya Musa, at a press conference in Kaduna, Monday, described the Senator as a detribalised leader who does not discriminate against Muslims.

Musa said the lawmaker is a leader who carries along his constituents in all his developmental projects, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, adding that he had empowered many Muslims in the Southern part of the state through his various programmes, including agricultural training and financial assistance.

He cited instances where Muslims in Southern Kaduna benefited from the lawmaker’s programmes, especially in agricultural training programmes where participants received N50,000 each.

He also mentioned the senator’s intervention to help ginger farmers who suffered losses in 2024.

The JNI’s scribe also praised Senator Katung’s efforts in curbing the spread of the deadly diphtheria outbreak in a Muslim community in Kafanchan in 2024.

Musa said, “As the fasting period approaches, Katung has asked the Muslim community to bring a proposal for assistance to ensure hitch-free Ramadan and Sallah periods.

“We are praying that God will continue to strengthen and protect him to achieve his goals.

“All we are saying is that the majority of members of the Muslim community in Southern Kaduna are happy with the way they are being carried along by the senator in his activities.

“We are calling on those criticising the senator to, as a Muslim, fear the almighty God and always speak the truth.”

Other Muslim leaders from Southern Kaduna, including Alhaji Ali Fadi, Alhaji Iliyasu Musa, and Datti Hassan, also spoke highly of the senator, dismissing all the criticisms against him.

“Senator Katung has shown that he is a true leader who cares for the welfare of all his constituents, regardless of their religion or ethnicity,” Alhaji Fadi said.

“We are grateful for his efforts and pray that God will continue to guide and protect him,” he added.

The Muslim leaders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Senator Katung, describing his love and concern for Muslims as special.