“These attacks are tragic, painful, and deeply distressing.”
With these words, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, condemned the deadly bandit raids on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas that claimed three lives and led to the kidnapping of several women and children.
In a statement signed by Muhammad Garba, former Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, Ganduje said the violent invasions represent not only a security breach but a direct assault on communal peace and social stability.
Ganduje extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities, stressing that the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted by the attacks requires urgent support, coordinated intervention, and decisive government action.
The former governor urged the Kano State Government to immediately adopt intelligence-led and community-based security measures, warning that the situation is “assuming a worrisome proportion that cannot be ignored or downplayed.”
He advised the state to draw lessons from the security architecture implemented during his administration (2015–2023), which included:
strengthened local vigilance networks,
multi-layered community policing,
robust intelligence sharing,
improved security agency coordination, and
development-oriented crime-prevention programmes.
According to him, these measures significantly curtailed rural banditry, deterred urban crime, and contributed to maintaining stability across Kano during his tenure.
Ganduje also praised the governments of Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, and other states for their “effective and decisive handling” of similar security threats, highlighting their quick interventions and strong community engagement.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and modernising the armed forces, noting that the President’s ongoing reforms demonstrate “strong political will and clear determination to secure the country.”
Ganduje appealed to residents of Shanono and Tsanyawa to remain calm but vigilant, urging closer cooperation with security personnel and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
He emphasized that defeating banditry requires collective responsibility, with citizens, traditional rulers, government authorities, and security agencies working together.
The former governor assured the affected communities that they are not alone, reiterating that leaders and stakeholders remain committed to ensuring their safety and supporting all efforts to restore lasting peace.
