By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairmanship candidate for Kontagora Local Government, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Madara, ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairmanship candidate for Kontagora Local Government, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Madara, has called for collective action to address the worsening security situation in the area, stating that insecurity is a matter of concern for all citizens, regardless of background or political affiliation.
In a press statement personally signed by the candidate, Hon. Madara described the current security challenges in Niger State — particularly in the Kontagora axis — as alarming, with residents in both urban and rural communities living in constant fear due to the activities of bandits.
"Today, when it comes to security in Niger State, especially in Niger North, we are in a difficult situation. In Kontagora town and its surrounding villages, people no longer sleep peacefully. Travelers are afraid, and even those at home do not feel safe," Madara said.
He pledged that if elected in the forthcoming November local government elections, his administration would implement a robust and inclusive security strategy. This, he said, would include the establishment of a community-driven security committee involving youths, traditional leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the protection of lives and property.
"We have capable and experienced security personnel — both serving and retired — from Kontagora. It is our duty to mobilise and involve them in securing our communities, especially rural farmers whose livelihoods are under constant threat," he added.
Madara lamented the plight of farmers who have been displaced by bandits, describing their condition as heartbreaking.
"These people depend entirely on farming. Their lives have become miserable due to displacement, family separation, and loss of livelihood. In Kontagora, internally displaced persons are not in camps — they are scattered among relatives. We must all come together to secure a better future for our people."
He also paid tribute to past leaders who had championed youth empowerment through agriculture, including the late Alhaji Bako Mohammed (Garkuwan Kontagora), Dr. Musa Inuwa (former governor of Niger State), and the late Mai Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska.
Hon. Madara further revealed his plans to collaborate with the Bank of Agriculture to develop 35,000 to 50,000 hectares of land for fish and poultry farming, which he said would promote self-reliance among men, women, and youths in the local government.
"Our goal is to empower people, especially those aged 45 and above, with sustainable sources of income. This kind of farming is not labour-intensive, yet it is productive and creates real economic opportunities," he explained.
Touching on social welfare, Madara expressed concern over the vulnerability of widows and orphans in Kontagora, stating that many women are left helpless after the death of their husbands.
"We must create support systems so that women who lose their spouses are not left to suffer. If elected, we will ensure women have the means to care for their families and live with dignity."
He also addressed the challenges facing voter registration in the region. According to him, many eligible voters, especially those displaced by insecurity, are struggling to register due to lack of access, poor equipment, and the distance of registration centers from their communities.
Madara called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expand the registration exercise and deploy mobile registration units to designated areas within the local government, to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
“INEC must act urgently and extend voter registration services to remote and vulnerable communities. Democracy cannot thrive if the people are denied access to participate.”
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