By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for an immediate investigation into the killing of renowned social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, in Kano State.

Kwankwaso made the call in a post on X, expressing deep concern over the death of Dan Shagamu, whose body was reportedly found in a pool of blood at his home in Kano.

He described the incident as a “horrific attack” and urged the Kano State Government to immediately constitute an investigative panel to thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate warned that if the authorities failed to take decisive and transparent action, an incoming NDC administration would launch a full investigation upon assumption of office and take necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable.

Kwankwaso also called on the state and Federal Governments to protect opposition voices from threats, attacks and intimidation.

He said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression to all citizens, stressing that the constitutional right must be protected.

“The Nigerian authorities must ensure a full investigation and that those responsible are held accountable,” he said.

Kwankwaso extended his condolences to Dan Shagamu’s family, friends and followers, praying that Almighty Allah grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.

The Unending Plight and Ongoing Killings in Kuyello

Your Excellency,

Mallam Uba Sani,

Executive Governor of Kaduna State,

Sir,

We write to you with heavy hearts, deep anguish, and a profound sense of urgency regarding the persistent and terrifying security breakdown in Kuyello, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

For years, the people of Kuyello have lived under the shadow of relentless violence, abductions, and mass killings.

While we acknowledge the government’s efforts and official declarations regarding security measures and negotiated peace initiatives, the reality on the ground paints a vastly different and devastating picture.

To us, the victims on the frontline, any negotiation with these non-state armed actors has proven entirely ineffective. The reality of our daily life remains unchanged:

Daily Attacks:

Villagers are hunted, attacked, and killed in their homes and on their farms day and night.

Economic Paralysis: Our farmers can no longer access their lands without facing death or paying heavy ransoms, destroying the local agricultural economy and pushing families into famine.

Mass Displacement:

Entire families have been forced to flee, turning communities into ghost towns as basic human safety remains unassured.

Peace cannot exist on paper while blood continues to flow in our streets. The ongoing violence demonstrates that these armed bands do not respect agreements or government mandates.

Kuyello requires decisive, sustained, and direct security intervention—not unfulfilled truces that leave innocent citizens exposed to constant danger.

*Our Prayers and Demands:*

1. Permanent Security Presence:

Immediate deployment of forward operating military bases and well-equipped security posts in and around Kuyello.

2. Offensive Military Operations: An immediate shift from passive peace talks to active tactical operations aimed at neutralizing bandit strongholds in the surrounding forests.

3. Protection for Farmers and Highways:

4. Targeted security patrols to secure agricultural lands and vital transport routes to restore local livelihoods and safety.

The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. We appeal to your leadership, Your Excellency, to treat the situation in Kuyello as a critical state emergency before our community is wiped out entirely.

Respectfully yours,

SURAJO ISAH KUYELLO Concerned Residents and Stakeholders of Kuyello Community

Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State