Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has issued a strong call to northern political leaders, urging them to confront the ongoing insecurity in the region with complete honesty and a commitment to long-term solutions.
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Empowerment Centre, Sani stated that the North has endured persistent insecurity for over the past 15 years. He attributes this prolonged crisis to underlying social, economic, and governance challenges.
Sani was emphatic that northern leaders must focus on tackling the root causes of violence, specifically citing poverty, underdevelopment, and illiteracy. He stressed that the communities affected are part of the region, and therefore, “the solutions must come from within.”
The former senator also encouraged civil society organizations to maintain a vocal and engaged stance on security matters, cautioning them to remain focused on the issues without becoming drawn into partisan disputes. He concluded that “The future of the North depends on courage, honesty and unity.”
Sani highlighted that schools, worship centers, and communities across the North have been repeatedly targeted by both criminal and extremist networks. He noted that the complexity of the security environment is compounded by the fact that some groups operate across Nigeria’s borders with neighboring countries.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist in Kaduna State, Sani commended Governor Uba Sani for the steps taken to improve safety and reduce religious tensions in volatile areas, including Birnin Gwari.
He also noted a degree of progress under the current federal administration in addressing broader national security concerns.
Sani strongly emphasized that solutions to insecurity must be homegrown, stating that “Foreign powers cannot resolve our security challenges. Our focus must be on strengthening our armed forces and uniting as citizens.” He also cautioned that security risks could escalate as the 2027 elections approach if preventative measures are not prioritized now.
Earlier in the event, representatives of the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Skill Empowerment Centre expressed deep concern over recurring kidnappings, particularly of schoolchildren, and urged authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable communities.