The chairman of the Steering Committee for the Movement of the Creation of Kainji State, AmbassadorAhmed Musa Ibeto, has said creating the state from the current Niger and Kebbi states would prevent bandits from having free reign in areas that are currently underserved in terms of governance.
He argued that some places could not be effectively governed because of the land mass, hence the increasing spate of insecurity, but that if those places were broken into another unit by state creation, they would be effectively governed.
Ibeto, who spoke at the zonal public hearing for the North Central zone constitutional review organized by the Senate, said three emirates—two from Niger State, Kontagora and Borgu, and one from Kebbi State, Zuru Emirate—are making demands for the state’s creation.
According to him, they have all it takes to become a state. The land mass alone in Niger State is more than some regions and some 10 states in the country put together. He added that it could take two days to journey from one part of the state to the other via road.
“Over time, due to the implementation of colonial administrative changes from 1902 to 1994, our places were divided. Some were placed in different provinces, and when states were created in 1976, the same division occurred.
“Given the historical bonds of affinity, we believe that these regions should come together to demand the creation of a new state. Our brothers and sisters are supporting this cause because, as it stands, Niger State is the largest state in Nigeria by landmass—it covers 10% of the country’s total area.
“If justice, equity, and fairness are to prevail, there is a need for Niger State to be split into additional states.
“With a population of 3.4 million people, our demand is justified. By current standards, this population surpasses that of more than 10 states in Nigeria. In terms of land area, Niger State covers 47,395 square kilometers.
“For comparison, one local government area in Niger is larger than the entire Southeast region of Nigeria. We believe this is a justifiable demand, and we trust the Senate will recommend the creation of a new state in line with these considerations.
“And with the ongoing security issue in Niger State we believe that breaking the state into smaller units will help address the insecurity problem. That is an absolute fact, and that’s precisely why we are advocating for state creation.
“In Niger State, you can travel for a full day or even two before reaching the farthest points. For example, traveling from Madala, which is on the edge of Suleja, to Babana, a border town with the Republic of Benin, takes two days.
“This vast landmass means there are many ungoverned spaces, which contribute to the insecurity. By creating a new state, we believe these areas will become more accessible and controlled. It will prevent bandits from having free reign in regions that are currently underserved in terms of governance.
“So, we’re confident that creating new states will improve security, among other benefits,” he said.
