“Face the Truth, Security Solutions Must Come From Within” – Shehu Sani tells Northern leaders

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged northern political leaders to confront the region’s worsening insecurity with honesty, courage, and a long-term commitment to real solutions.

Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday during a visit by the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Empowerment Centre, Sani said the North has battled severe insecurity for more than 15 years, driven by deep-rooted social, economic, and governance failures.

He stressed that the region can no longer ignore the underlying causes of violence:

“The root problems are poverty, underdevelopment, and illiteracy. These communities are part of us, the solutions must come from within.”

Sani warned leaders not to rely on external intervention, insisting that foreign powers cannot solve Nigeria’s security crisis. Instead, he called for stronger armed forces, greater unity, and a renewed sense of responsibility from northern elites. He also noted that insecurity could worsen ahead of the 2027 elections if preventive actions are not taken now.

He commended Governor Uba Sani for efforts to reduce religious tensions and improve safety in areas like Birnin Gwari, and acknowledged signs of progress under the current federal administration.

Sani also urged civil society groups to stay vocal and focused on security issues without getting dragged into political battles, saying:

“The future of the North depends on courage, honesty, and unity.”

Earlier, representatives of the visiting organizations expressed alarm over recurring kidnappings, especially the abduction of school children, and appealed for urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities.