6 hours ago
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Ambassador Ahmed Ibeto, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Movement for the Creation of Kainji State, has blamed the increasing insecurity in Niger and Kebbi states on their large landmass and limited government presence in remote areas.
Speaking at the North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review, organised by the Senate, Ibeto said the existing administrative arrangement has left several communities in Niger and Kebbi vulnerable to criminal activity due to poor access and governance.
He proposed the creation of Kainji State, which would be carved from Kontagora and Borgu emirates in Niger State and Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State. According to him, the new state would help improve security and bring governance closer to neglected communities.
Ibeto said, “Niger State’s vast size makes it extremely difficult to maintain effective security coverage. There are large portions of land with no government presence, which serve as safe havens for bandits and other criminal groups.
“For example, travelling from Madala in Suleja to Babana, a border community near the Republic of Benin, can take as long as two days.”
He pointed out that Niger State covers about 47,395 square kilometres, roughly 10 percent of Nigeria’s land area, and has a population of around 3.4 million, more than some existing states.
He also noted that years of administrative changes have divided historically and culturally connected communities, stressing the need for a unified structure to address development and security challenges.
“The demand for Kainji State goes beyond politics. It is a solution to a real and urgent problem. Once these areas are properly administered and infrastructure is improved, we will see a significant drop in insecurity,” he added.
Creation of Kainji State will curb insecurity in Niger, Kebbi — Amb. Ibeto
