“Insecurity cannot justify your neglect” – BEPU challenges FG

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) in Kaduna State has called on the Federal Government to urgently address long-standing infrastructural neglect and lack of federal representation in the area.

The union emphasized that insecurity should not be an excuse for inaction but rather a reason for increased government presence and intervention. 

In a statement signed by Dr. Isah Muhammad, on behalf of BEPU, on Friday, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fair representation for the people of Birnin Gwari in federal appointments.

SolaceBase reports that the group noted that despite the presence of distinguished scholars from the emirate, the region remains sidelined in national decision-making. 

Read Also:BEPU Lauds Police Over Neutralizing 250 Bandits In Birnin Gwari

“Our people have consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to peace. However, this should not be mistaken for complacency. We seek inclusion, recognition, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development,” the statement read.   

BEPU also decried the deteriorating state of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Highway, a major economic corridor linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.

The group criticized the unfulfilled promise of rehabilitating the road under a tax-credit arrangement with the Dangote Group of Companies, stating that the lack of progress has turned the highway into a death trap. 

“The road is vital for industries such as Dangote and BUA, whose heavy trucks contribute to its deterioration. We call on these companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities by supporting its rehabilitation,” BEPU stated. 

The union also appealed for the establishment of a Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Birnin Gwari, arguing that it would improve healthcare, create jobs, and contribute to security in the region.

Additionally, they proposed creating a University of Forestry and Environmental Sciences to harness the area’s natural resources for sustainable development. 

Highlighting the lack of basic services, BEPU lamented the absence of banking facilities and telecommunications in Birnin Gwari for nearly a decade.

The group urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to restore these essential services, which they say have worsened economic hardships in the region. 

Read Also:As USAID cuts funding for Malaria, HIV, poor healthcare funding in 7 northern states comes to light

BEPU called on the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the rehabilitation of key roads, including the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari (120 km), Birnin Gwari–Funtua (167 km), and Birnin Gwari–Tegina (100 km) roads, which they say are crucial for economic activities and security.

Additionally, the group demanded the restoration of electricity to communities such as Awaro, Randagi, Dogon Dawa, and Layin Mahuta, which have remained without power for over eight years. 

The statement concluded with an appeal to President Tinubu and relevant authorities to take immediate action, emphasizing that development is essential to overcoming insecurity. 

“Insecurity should not be an excuse for underdevelopment; rather, development should be a tool for overcoming insecurity. The time for action is now,” BEPU stated.