El-Rufai writes Buhari pointing out that terrorists have taken over large swathes of Kaduna

GOVERNOR Nasir El-Rufai has told President Muhammadu Buhari that he is losing control of Kaduna State as terrorists have taken over large swathes of terrorist establishing a parallel administration ion several local government areas where they even dispense justice.

In a July memo to the president, G9vernior El-Rufai stated that terrorists have infiltrated and dominated communities where they have formed parallel governing authorities. According to the governor, they now exercise control over social and economic activities and even dispense justice in their areas of control.

One source close to Governor El-Rufai confirmed that he wrote to the president over the issue, presumably asking for assistance. Earlier this year, Governor El-Rufai said the terrorists have plans to make Kaduna forest areas their permanent operational base for the northwest geo-political zone, citing a series of intelligence reports.

In his memo, Governor El-Rufai said: “Observed movement patterns and intercepted communications of migrating terrorists have shown a clear interest in setting up a base, with the stretches of forest area between Kaduna and Niger states strongly considered. The insurgents enacted a law in the district, banning all forms of political activity or campaign ahead of the 2023 elections, especially in Madobiya and Kazage villages.

“According to actionable intelligence, members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Musulmina Fi’biladis Sudan (aka Ansaru) hibernating in the Kuyello district of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area recently conducted a nuptial ceremony during which they married two yet-to-be-identified female residents of Kuyello village. The ceremony was attended by various Ansaru members and witnessed by residents of the area.

"After the marital rites, insurgents in attendance reportedly conveyed the brides to the dreaded Kuduru forest, in the same district. They also fined one Mu’azu Ibrahim, a resident of Kuyello community, the sum of N1m for selling plots of land without the consent of the owners.

“Multiple reports also exist of bandits and terrorists exacting protection levies and similar taxes from farmers and communities in return for permission to cultivate their fields.”