From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Residents of Barga, Awon ward in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have commended Gov. Uba Sani for approving the establishment of a Military Forward Operations Base (FOB) to curb the insecurity bedeviling the area.
The residents gave the commendation during a tour of the project by the APC stakeholders in Kachia.
Barga community leader Zanko Adamu said the project will go a long way in stemming the tide of banditry and other security challenges in the area.
Adamu explained that the incessant cases of kidnappings and cattle rustling in the area had forced many people to abandon their homes and farmlands.
He revealed that the community was a gateway to the Rijana forest, reportedly a major hideout for bandits.
Another resident, Mark Bawa, stated that the prompt response from the governor in granting the community’s request for the base has rekindled hope among the people.
Bawa added that the once-thriving farming community has been impoverished by frequent attacks, leading to reduced agricultural output and food shortages.
“Our community was a very peaceful and productive one before these criminal elements started wreaking havoc on us.
“It is my prayer that we have come to the end of this nightmare we have been experiencing,” he added.
On her part, Hannatu Dikko highlighted the socio-economic impact of insecurity in the area.
Dikko explained that many businesses had shut down while schools remained closed, leaving children without access to education.
Earlier, Dr Manzo Maigari, the council chairman noted that citing the base in Barga was in line with the rural infrastructural drive of the present state government.
According to him, once completed, the FOB is expected to serve as a strategic point for swift military response and surveillance.
He tasked the community members with providing local intelligence to security agencies, noting that security was a collective responsibility.
Other stakeholders who spoke also lauded the governor for listening to the cry of the people of the area.
Awon ward has become a hotbed of attacks in Kachia, with many cattle rustled and residents displaced from their homes in recent times.
