Kaduna Citizens Raise Alarm Over ‘Growing Pattern of Arrests, Intimidation’ as Banditry Persists
By Our Correspondent
A group of concerned citizens in Kaduna State has decried what it describes as a “growing pattern of arrests, intimidation, and harassment” of activists and critics, even as insecurity continues to plague many communities.
The group, in a statement issued Friday, June 27, 2026 and signed by Steven Kefas, VS Ntong, Zariyi Yusuf, Ibrahim Akut, Edward Felelis, Kaura Musa Ibrahim, Alheri Magaji, Reuben Buhari, Gloriah Ballason, and Alex Musa Iya, said recent actions by security agencies raise “serious questions about the direction of civic freedoms and democratic engagement” in the state.
They cited the reported arrest of one Jonah Bonnet, the earlier arrest of activist Micah Musa, and an informal invitation by the Department of State Services, DSS, to constitutional lawyer Dr. Kajit John Paul on June 23, 2026, as a few among such instances.
“While we recognize the constitutional role of security agencies in maintaining law and order, we are compelled to remind all authorities that democracy thrives on dissent, criticism, debate, and the free exchange of ideas,” the group said.
It warned that arrests, interrogations and other forms of pressure for expressing views “create fear among citizens and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.”
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to “reconsider their priorities” and redirect resources to more urgent security challenges.
They cited continued terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent incursions that have displaced families and destroyed livelihoods.
The statement specifically referenced the recent killings in Ungwan Magaji Chawai, where nine persons, including children, were killed and the attackers remain at large.
“We therefore ask: why are security agencies able to rapidly mobilize personnel against unarmed citizens, activists, and critics, yet many of the terrorists, bandits, and killers responsible for atrocities across our communities continue to evade arrest?
“The energy, resources, and intelligence capabilities currently being expended on pursuing citizens over what many perceive as frivolous or politically sensitive matters should instead be directed toward identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those responsible for the bloodshed.”
They also reminded the Kaduna State Government of “painful experiences” under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, including “indiscriminate arrests, prolonged detentions, intimidation of dissenting voices, and the shrinking of democratic space.”
According to them, that period left deep scars on our democratic culture and damaged trust between citizens and government and cautioned that “it would therefore be a grave mistake for any administration to allow the state to drift back” toward those practices.
While acknowledging Gov. Uba Sani’s commitments to inclusion, dialogue, reconciliation and democratic governance, they urged that such “must now be reflected not only in words but also in actions.”
While reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful conduct, the group said they will continue to defend the constitutional rights to speak, organize, advocate and criticize.
They, however, demanded transparency on recent arrests and invitations, respect for due process, protection of civic space, and called on security agencies to “focus their efforts on the terrorists, kidnappers, and violent criminals who continue to threaten the lives and security of Kaduna citizens.”
“History teaches us that societies become stronger when governments listen to criticism rather than suppress it. Kaduna State must move forward, not backward. The democratic gains secured through years of struggle must not be sacrificed on the altar of intolerance,” the statement said.
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