Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has challenged the state government to rise against the persistent bandit incursion in some communities before it gets out of hand.
Ganduje expressed sadness over the loss of lives and the kidnapping of women and children in the recent bandit attacks in Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas, and urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to act swiftly to end the menace.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by Muhammad Garba, former Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman and former Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano state, Ganduje described the attacks as “tragic, painful, and deeply distressing
He noted that the violent raids represent not only a breach of security but also a direct assault on communal peace and social stability.
Ganduje extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and residents of the affected communities, stressing that the emotional and psychological trauma caused by the incidents demands urgent support, coordinated response, and resolute action from all stakeholders.
The former governor called on the Kano State government to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based security strategies, warning that the current situation appears to be “assuming a worrisome proportion that cannot be ignored or downplayed.”
Ganduje specifically urged the state government to borrow from the successful security models implemented under his administration (2015–2023), including strengthened local vigilance networks, multi-layered community policing, robust intelligence sharing, enhanced coordination with security agencies, and development-focused crime-prevention frameworks.
He noted that these strategies significantly contributed to containing rural banditry, deterring urban criminality, and maintaining relative stability across the state during his tenure.
The former APC chairman also commended the governments of Niger, Kwara, Kebbi and some other states for what he described as “effective and decisive handling of similar security challenges,” praising their timely interventions, cross-agency cooperation, and strong community engagement in safeguarding lives and property.
Ganduje expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture, modernising the armed forces, and improving operational capacity across all security formations.
He noted that the President’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate “strong political will and a clear determination to secure the country.”
The former governor further called on the affected communities to remain calm but vigilant, urging them to cooperate with security personnel closely and to provide timely information to help prevent further incursions.
Ganduje emphasised that addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility, explaining that synergy among citizens, traditional institutions, government authorities, and security agencies is crucial in overcoming banditry and restoring enduring peace.
He assured the people of Shanono and Tsanyawa that they are not alone in their grief, reaffirming that leaders and stakeholders at various levels are committed to ensuring their safety and supporting ongoing efforts to secure their communities.
