Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Kaduna-based broadcaster Mohammed Suleman, popularly known as Mowiz, has raised concerns over recurring kidnapping incidents in Maraba Rido and surrounding communities, calling on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to improve the safety of residents.
Mowiz expressed the concerns while speaking about the security situation in the Maraba Rido area of Chikun Local Government Area, saying residents he engaged with were living under growing fear because of repeated abductions.
According to the broadcaster, he recently spoke with residents to understand the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and was concerned by what he said he learnt from the community.
Mowiz said residents told him that another kidnapping occurred about two months ago but alleged that no security agency or government representative visited the community afterwards to investigate the incident or assess the security challenges confronting residents.
He also claimed that residents said no elected representative, including the local government chairman, state lawmaker, member of the House of Representatives or senator, had contacted them following the reported incident.
Mowiz further expressed concern over what he described as limited communication between the community and security formations in the area. He said residents told him that the reported incidents had not been formally brought to the attention of nearby military formations, police stations or the state's anti-crime outfit.
He argued that the situation required greater coordination between residents, community leaders, government officials and security agencies to ensure that reports of criminal activity are promptly communicated and investigated.
One of the issues highlighted by Mowiz was the geography of the community. He said residents identified about 15 routes into Maraba Rido, including nine described as bush paths.
According to him, the number of access routes presents a significant security challenge and makes it difficult for local security personnel to monitor movements around the community effectively.
Mowiz said the reported insecurity had created an atmosphere of fear among residents, with some people allegedly leaving their homes because they were concerned about their safety.
“No one is saying it has to end now, but we want to see efforts. Sadly, that is not the case with Maraba Rido and its environs,” he said.
He questioned how security progress could be assessed when communities continue to express concerns about repeated abductions and insecurity.
The broadcaster called on the administration of Governor Uba Sani and relevant security authorities to increase security coverage in Maraba Rido and surrounding areas, improve communication with residents and demonstrate visible efforts to protect lives and property.
Maraba Rido has previously experienced serious security incidents. In November 2024, a National Youth Service Corps member, Aisha Shittu, was reportedly abducted from her apartment at Baba Saura Estate in Maraba Rido. Her family later negotiated for her release after the kidnappers initially demanded a N500 million ransom.
In December 2024, FIJ reported that Shittu was eventually released alongside two relatives after her family reportedly paid N30 million and supplied 10 motorcycles to the abductors.
Earlier reports have also documented the longstanding security concerns in the community. In October 2020, residents told the Independent that repeated attacks and kidnappings had caused some property owners to abandon their homes because of fear.
More recently, a Joint Task Force warning reported in September 2026 specifically mentioned Maraba Rido among Kaduna communities where residents were urged to remain vigilant following information about suspected criminal movements. The report said security forces were monitoring the situation, although the Kaduna Police Command had not issued an official statement on the alert at the time.
Against that background, Mowiz said the concerns being expressed by residents should receive immediate attention from the authorities.
He urged government officials and security agencies to engage directly with the community, assess its security vulnerabilities and strengthen measures aimed at preventing further abductions.
He also called for residents to maintain communication with security agencies and for authorities to respond promptly whenever incidents are reported.
The broadcaster maintained that residents should not have to live in persistent fear and appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to demonstrate concrete efforts to improve security in Maraba Rido and its environs.
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