Kaduna Bars Journalists From Empty Villages Despite Return Claims

The Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani has reportedly directed security agencies to restrict journalists without official clearance from entering communities deserted after bandit attacks.

The directive is believed to have followed recent reports by Kaduna-based journalist Luka Binniyat of Truth Nigeria, whose findings challenged the government’s claims regarding the success of its peace agreements with armed groups.

Journalists Prevented From Accessing Abandoned Villages

According to multiple sources, security operatives manning checkpoints in Kajuru, Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAshave been ordered to stop journalists attempting to visit depopulated communities unless they obtain approval from the Government House.

One investigative journalist was reportedly halted at a checkpoint after security personnel spotted his camera equipment. He was informed that only journalists “friendly to government narratives” had been granted access to such areas.

Despite the obstruction and alleged rudeness of some operatives, the journalist later succeeded in visiting a few deserted communities using alternative routes.

Binniyat’s Reports Challenge Government Claims

SaharaReporters reviewed one of Binniyat’s videos in which he accused the Kaduna State Government of distorting the situation in many affected villages, particularly in Kujeni community, Kajuru LGA.

Binniyat argued that contrary to government statements that displaced residents had returned to their ancestral homes, his on-the-ground assessment revealed ongoing mass displacement, widespread fear, and a lack of meaningful assistance for victims.

He further referenced the 2023 decision by Governor Uba Sani—supported at the time by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu—to offer state pardon and rehabilitation packages to Fulani bandits accused of years of killings and kidnappings in Christian-dominated communities.

Binniyat said the alleged reintegration of the gunmen has not resulted in improved security, insisting that affected residents are still unable to return home nearly two years after the amnesty.

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Inside the Deserted Communities: Binniyat’s Account

Speaking from the ruins of Kujeni in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Binniyat described the once-thriving Adara Christian settlement as “now an empty space.”

“This used to be a very dense community with schools, churches and playgrounds. Today you wouldn’t believe structures ever existed here,” he said.

He narrated how villagers fled after repeated attacks and were unable to defend themselves against heavily armed herdsmen.

“Those you see around only come to tend to their farms during the rainy season. Luckily for them, the herdsmen have not destroyed these crops like in other places,” he explained.

Binniyat listed dozens of other communities he said have been completely sacked, including Kujeni Dutse, Kwakwari, Kakuku, Ongwom Puda, Ongwom Adaki, Ongwom Baride, Gindin-Gada, Itisi, Ivana Turu, among others.

He recalled visiting Ongwom Baride, where Fulani militias allegedly killed 11 residents in 2019 during the first major attack on the settlement.

According to him, villagers reject claims that the bandits have repented.

“They granted them amnesty and rehabilitated them, but villagers say there is nothing like repentance because they still cannot return home,” he said.

Binniyat added that locals were encouraged by the recent announcement by Donald Trump naming Nigeria a “country of concern,” saying it drew international attention to their plight.

Government Moves to Counter Narratives

Sources told SaharaReporters that the Kaduna State Government has mobilised selected politicians to visit the same communities documented by Binniyat in an effort to challenge his findings.

Several politicians have already begun issuing public statements disputing his reports and defending the administration’s peace and rehabilitation strategy.