Bandits force Gov. El-Rufai to suspend elections in 4 LGAs, despite Police restriction order

The uncertainty created by bandits in Kaduna State, has forced Governor Nasir El-Rufai to approve the postponement of the chairmanship and councillorship elections in four local government areas by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

Accordingly, Chairman of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Saratu Audu, announced postponement of elections in the four local governments citing insecurity crisis in the areas for the decision.

Saratu Audu stated that the affected local governments include Brinin Gwari, Chikun, Kajuru, Zango Kataf, etc.

Mrs. Audu, however, disclosed that elections in the affected council areas were rescheduled to Saturday, 25th September 2021.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command on Friday declared the restriction of human and vehicular movements in the state from Friday midnight to 6.00pm on Saturday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Command, Mohammed Jalije, in a statement on Friday, explained that the restriction of movement was because of the local government election that will be holding in 19 local government areas in Kaduna State on September 4.

The PPRO maintained that the Command has made effective security deployment to all the polling units and collation centres across the state.

He added that a Rapid Response Team has also been deployed to all local government areas to promptly respond to distress calls and scenes of violence.

The Police assured the people of their safety during the election period.

However, this could not convince the state authorities to hold elections in the four local governments where polling has been suspended and shifted to next Saturday.