Kaduna Residents Storm Govt House, Demand Probe of El‑Rufai

Kaduna Residents Storm Govt House, Demand Probe of El‑Rufai

Hundreds of Kaduna State residents on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the Government House in Kaduna metropolis, demanding answers over the disappearance of lecturer Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and calling for a public audit of former Governor Nasir El‑Rufai’s administration.

The protesters, composed of youths, women, and community members, gathered at the UTC roundabout before marching to the state’s seat of power, chanting solidarity slogans and carrying placards. Some of the messages read “We demand public scrutiny, audit now,” “Malam Nasir El‑Rufai, where is Dadiyata?” and “Publish loan agreement and spending breakdown now.” Other placards demanded justice, stating “Kaduna lived in fear, we want the truth,” and “Sponsoring protest cannot protect El‑Rufai; he must face prosecution.”

Dadiyata, a social media commentator and lecturer, was abducted from his Kaduna residence in 2019 by unknown gunmen and has not been seen since. His disappearance remains a controversial unresolved case, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from both the government and security agencies.

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Addressing journalists during the protest, protest leader Anas Yusuf emphasized that the demonstration was non-partisan, aimed solely at promoting justice and accountability. He highlighted insecurity during the previous administration, noting:

“Kaduna bled. Communities were attacked, Birnin Gwari faced isolation, banditry escalated, citizens were kidnapped, families buried loved ones, and fear became normal. Former Governor Nasir El‑Rufai must answer hard questions.”

Another protest leader, Comrade Joseph Chori, described Dadiyata’s disappearance as “an open wound” for Kaduna residents, saying:

“A family still waits. Kaduna still asks: what happened?”

The protesters also demanded an independent public security audit of the El‑Rufai administration and called for full disclosure of the $350 million World Bank loan obtained during his tenure, insisting the loan agreement and spending breakdown be made public.

“Loans are not free money. Public debt demands public accountability because citizens will repay that debt. They deserve transparency,” the group stated.

Former Governor El‑Rufai has denied involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance, previously stating that the lecturer was a critic of another state government and not linked to his Kaduna administration.

While the protest remained largely peaceful, organizers stressed their action was intended to strengthen democracy and promote justice, not to incite division. They urged authorities to act transparently and ensure accountability for past misgovernance, while praising the relative calm under current Governor Uba Sani.

“We will not allow destabilisation to shield anyone from scrutiny. This is not revenge; this is justice and democracy. Kaduna deserves better, and Kaduna will demand it,” the protesters affirmed.

 

Kaduna Residents Storm Govt House, Demand Probe of El‑Rufai