Protesters Besiege Kaduna Govt House, Seek El-Rufai Probe

Residents of Kaduna State on Thursday marched to the Government House in Kaduna to demand an investigation into former governor Nasir El-Rufai and to seek answers over the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata.

The protesters, made up of youths and women, gathered at the UTC roundabout in the state capital before moving in a peaceful procession to the seat of government.

Carrying placards and singing solidarity songs, the demonstrators called for public scrutiny of the previous administration.

Many of the signs they displayed asked for a full audit of El-Rufai’s time in office and demanded details about loans secured during his tenure.

Others focused on the continued absence of Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator who was taken from his home by gunmen in 2019 and has not been seen since.

During the protest, some of the organisers told journalists that their action was driven by the need for accountability and justice.

They said the insecurity recorded in parts of Kaduna during the past administration left deep pain among families who lost loved ones or suffered kidnappings.

According to them, communities such as Birnin Gwari experienced serious attacks and isolation, and residents still seek clear answers about those years.

The protest leaders also insisted that the disappearance of Dadiyata remains a painful issue for many in the state. They said his family and supporters continue to wait for information about his fate and believe the matter should not be forgotten.

In addition to calling for answers on security concerns, the group requested that the state government publish details of a 350 million dollar World Bank loan obtained under El-Rufai’s administration.

They argued that public borrowing requires openness because citizens are responsible for repayment. They asked for the release of the loan agreement and a breakdown of how the funds were used.

El-Rufai has previously denied any role in Dadiyata’s disappearance. In an earlier television interview, he stated that the missing lecturer was known for criticising the Kano State Government rather than his administration in Kaduna.

The protesters noted that the state has witnessed relative calm under the current governor, Uba Sani.

They maintained that their march was not intended to cause unrest but to strengthen democratic practice and ensure that former public office holders account for their time in power.

Security personnel monitored the demonstration, which ended without reports of violence. The protesters vowed to continue demanding answers until their concerns are addressed.