By Muhammad Mamman
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has insisted that a reported disappearance which occurred within Kaduna’s borders should not be treated as a state government matter, sparking fresh public debate over accountability and security.
Speaking during a media engagement, El-Rufai maintained that although the incident happened in Kaduna State, responsibility for such cases rests primarily with federal security agencies, not the state government.
“This is not a Kaduna State issue,” he said, stressing that matters involving disappearances and criminal investigations fall under the jurisdiction of national law enforcement bodies.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions from residents and civil society groups, many of whom argue that state authorities still bear moral and administrative responsibility for the safety of people living within their territory.
Security analysts note that Kaduna has, in recent years, faced persistent challenges including banditry, kidnappings and communal violence, making public confidence in leadership a sensitive issue.
Critics say El-Rufai’s position risks appearing dismissive at a time when families of missing persons are seeking answers and reassurance. Supporters, however, argue that his remarks merely reflect Nigeria’s constitutional structure, which places policing largely under federal control.
The development comes amid renewed calls for decentralised policing and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to address insecurity across the country.
As pressure mounts, observers say clearer coordination between all levels of government will be crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring swift responses to similar incidents in the future.
