Governor promises to end kidnapping in Kaduna

Gov.

El-Rufa’i made the promise on Saturday during a town hall meeting in Kachia, Kachia Local Government Area of the state.

He said the state government had noted with concern the spate of kidnapping, especially in Kaduna metropolis, adding that ``the ugly scenario would soon be a thing of the past’’.

He said the state had recorded significant stride in addressing indices of insecurity, including killings of innocent persons and cattle rustling.

The governor expressed regrets that perpetrators of such acts had resorted to kidnapping of persons.

He said that the police recently arrested a kingpin of kidnappers in the state and arms were recovered from the suspects.

``We have put in place as part of our statutory function, security measure to put an end to the menace once and for all,’’ he said.

In another development, El-Rufa’i has said the state government will launch a tree planting campaign as a measure to secure the environment.

El-Rufa’i said the state government had concluded plans through the Ministry of Environment to engage women throughout the Local Government Areas in the state.

``The aim of this initiative is to safeguard our environment for the generation yet unborn,’’ he said.

``We are concerned about reducing maternal mortality rate, especially among pregnant women,’’ he said.

On agriculture, the governor assured that fertilisers would be made available to farmers to boost farm produce.

``We want to ensure that our farmers compete favourably with modern agricultural practices.

He said the Kachia Ginger Company would be opened for bidding for interested investors to revive its production.

El-Rufa’i urged the people to be patient, and assured that electricity, provision of drinking water, accessible roads and payment of salaries and wages among others would be addressed.

NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance, government officials, including, commissioners, permanent secretaries, local council chairmen, traditional rulers, youths and women groups, among others.