By Muhammad Musa
At a time when leadership should be defined by compassion, responsibility, and courage, the people of Danko-Wasagu East in Kebbi State are left wondering where their governor stands. The cry for protection has grown louder, the pain deeper yet the silence from the Government House has become even more deafening.
Today, more than 60 innocent men, women, farmers, and youths from Wasagu, Gandun Wasagu, Bena, and surrounding communities remain in the cold hands of kidnappers. Their families sit awake every night, praying for the miracle of their return. Children stare at empty doorways waiting for parents who may never walk back home. Farmlands that once fed thousands now lie abandoned, swallowed by fear.
Yet, instead of deploying maximum state power against the bandits terrorising these communities, Governor Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) appears more preoccupied with political battles, especially the open confrontation with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Chika Malami.
For many observers, the question is simple and troubling:
Why fight Malami when bandits are the ones destroying lives in your state?
A Constitutional Duty Abandoned
The 1999 Constitution is clear:
The primary responsibility of any governor is the protection of lives and property.
Not politics.
Not ego clashes.
Not personal battles.
And certainly not selective attention to insecurity.
While the Maga schoolgirls were rightfully rescued through joint government action, it is heartbreaking that the same urgency has not been extended to the farmers and villagers of Danko-Wasagu East. These too are citizens of Kebbi State. Their lives should matter equally. Their pain should trigger action, not silence.
But weeks after the mass kidnappings, the story remains unchanged:
No strong rescue mission announced
No concrete effort communicated to the public
No high-powered visit under the leadership of the governor to the affected communities.
No words of comfort from the governor to grieving families.
Sadly, it is as though these people have been left to negotiate their own safety in a state that promised to protect them.
A Voice for the Forgotten
The people of Danko-Wasagu East are not asking for miracles. They are not asking for political drama. They are simply asking for what every citizen deserves:
Safety
Attention
Leadership
Humanity
These farmers work day and night to feed Kebbi State. They contribute to its economy. During elections, these same communities mobilised massively and voted overwhelmingly for the present administration. They stood with the governor in hope, faith, and solidarity.
But today, they cannot understand why they are being left behind in their darkest hour.
Is Wasagu not part of Kebbi State?
Are the victims not part of the people the governor pledged to serve?
Does politics truly outweigh human lives?
Where Leadership Is Needed Most
A leader is most needed not on the podium, not on the campaign trail, not in the arena of political rivalry but in the moments when his people cry for help.
This is one of those moments.
Now is the time for Governor Nasir Idris to rise above politics and demonstrate true leadership by:
Mobilising all security agencies for immediate action.
Visiting the affected communities to show empathy and solidarity.
Ensuring transparent communication about rescue efforts.
Deploying permanent security presence across Danko-Wasagu East.
Putting the lives of citizens above political battles.
Every day these victims remain in captivity is a mark on the conscience of the state.
A Final Appeal: Bring Them Home
The people of Danko-Wasagu East are not statistics.
They are human beings, farmers, parents, traders, and breadwinners.
Their lives matter. Their freedom matters. Their families’ peace matters.
Governor Nasir Idris, the people are calling.
Their voices are trembling.
Their hearts are breaking.
This is the moment to act.
This is the moment to put politics aside.
This is the moment to remember your oath.
Clamp down on the bandits not on Abubakar Chika Malami.
Bring our people home.
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Opinion