Residents of Kaso, a predominantly Gbagyi sub-urban community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna South, staged a protest on Saturday against the displacement of 18 surrounding villages and the closure of 13 primary schools due to persistent bandit attacks.
The displaced communities bordering Rido, Maraban Rido, Rijana forest, Kakau-Abuja road, Kujama, Buda, Gyengere, and Tantatu in Kajuru LGA also raised alarms over renewed threats to farmers in Kaduna metropolitan outskirts.
Led by Obadiah Baba Kasoiza, Chairman of Kaso Youth Forum Kaduna, alongside displaced senior village heads and other victims, the protesters addressed the media in Maraban Rido to highlight the escalating insecurity.
Kasoiza lamented that within three months (November 2025 to February 2026), numerous lives had been lost, nearly 30 motorcycles snatched, and over 50 people kidnapped in December 2025 alone many released only after ransom payments in millions of naira and motorcycles.
“In January to the first week of February 2026, many were kidnapped; some released after ransom, while others remain in captivity,” he said.
“As it stands now, our confidence in government, which is supposed to protect lives and properties, is demoralised. Our hope of participating in the next farming season is uncertain.”
The youth leader traced the insecurity in Kaso to about 10 years ago under the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, during which many lives were lost, properties destroyed, houses, churches, and mosques burnt, and hundreds displaced.
“Hundreds of motorcycles have been snatched by bandits, hundreds purchased and handed over as ransom. Millions of naira paid for the release of loved ones,” Kasoiza stated.
He noted that Kaso community borders Kakau to the west, Rido, Maraban Rido, and Kujama to the north, Buda, Gyengere, and Tantatu (in Kajuru LGA) to the east, and Rijana forest to the south.
“25% of people living in Maraban Rido Kadansa today are refugees from Kaso, while 20% of people in Kujama are also refugees from Kaso willing to return to their ancestral land,” he added.
The attacks have paralysed socio-economic activities, halted education (with 13 primary schools closed), and rendered primary healthcare centres non-functional since 2016.
Protesters appealed to Governor Uba Sani to urgently establish a military strike force at Kurmin Kaso to curb banditry and restore safety, enabling displaced residents to return and resume normal life, farming, and schooling.
The protest reflects growing frustration in rural Kaduna communities over prolonged insecurity, displacement, and perceived slow government response despite repeated distress calls.
