Residents of Kaduna State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the Government House, demanding answers over the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and calling for a public audit of the administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The protesters, comprising youths and women, gathered at the UTC roundabout in Kaduna metropolis before marching to the seat of power, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with bold inscriptions.
Some placards read: “We demand public scrutiny, audit now,” “Malam Nasir El-Rufai, where is Dadiyata?” and “Publish loan agreement and spending breakdown now.” Others bore messages such as “Kaduna lived in fear, we want the truth,” and “Sponsoring protest cannot protect El-Rufai; he must face prosecution.”
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted by gunmen from his Kaduna residence in 2019 and has not been seen since, a development that continues to generate controversy within and outside the state.
Addressing journalists during the protest, one of the leaders, Anas Yusuf, said the demonstration was not politically motivated but aimed at accountability.
“We are not here for politics; we are here for accountability. Kaduna bled. Communities were attacked, Birnin Gwari faced isolation, banditry escalated, citizens were kidnapped, families buried loved ones, and fear became normal during the last administration.
“Those years cannot be erased with speeches. Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai must answer hard questions. You governed, and now you must account”, Yusuf declared.
Another protest leader, Joseph Chori, said the disappearance of Dadiyata remained “an open wound” for many residents. “A family still waits. Kaduna still asks: what happened?” he said.
The protesters also demanded an independent public security audit of the El-Rufai administration, insisting that issues surrounding insecurity during his tenure must be thoroughly examined.
They further called for full disclosure of the $350 million World Bank loan obtained under the former governor, urging the state government to publish the loan agreement and a detailed breakdown of how the funds were spent.
“Loans are not free money. Public debt demands public accountability because citizens will repay that debt. They deserve transparency,” the group stated.
El-Rufai has denied any involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance. In a previous interview with Arise TV, the former governor said the missing lecturer was a critic of the Kano State government and not his administration in Kaduna.
The protesters noted that the state is currently experiencing relative calm under Governor Uba Sani and said their action was aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring justice.
“We will not allow destabilisation to shield anyone from scrutiny. This is not revenge; this is justice and democracy. We will not forget the victims. Kaduna deserves better, and Kaduna will demand it,” they said.
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