By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has launched a scathing attack on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of presiding over a period marked by widespread killings, division and insecurity in Southern Kaduna. Musa made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he contrasted El-Rufai’s administration with that of the incumbent governor, Uba Sani.

Speaking during the interview, Musa alleged that El-Rufai’s tenure was characterised by policies and actions that deepened divisions between communities in Kaduna State. According to the Defence Minister, residents of Southern Kaduna suffered significantly during the period, while tensions between the northern and southern parts of the state escalated. He maintained that the situation created an atmosphere in which many citizens felt unsafe and marginalized.

Musa further claimed that numerous killings occurred in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor from May 2015 to May 2023. He alleged that many residents of the area remain deeply hurt by the violence recorded during that period and have not recovered from the trauma associated with the attacks. The minister said the scale of deaths and destruction experienced in parts of Southern Kaduna continues to shape public perceptions of the former governor’s administration.

The Defence Minister also accused El-Rufai of showing little remorse over events that occurred while he was in office. Musa stated that statements previously made by the former governor contributed to the perception among some residents that he was unapologetic about the suffering experienced in affected communities. He argued that many people in Southern Kaduna still view the period as one of the darkest chapters in the state’s recent history.

Highlighting the current security and political climate in Kaduna State, Musa praised Governor Uba Sani for efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation and rebuilding trust among communities. He said the present administration has taken deliberate steps to bridge long-standing divisions and foster greater inclusion across the state, although he acknowledged that challenges remain.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor for two terms between 2015 and 2023, had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting. The former governor’s tenure was marked by recurring security crises, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where attacks, communal violence and banditry led to significant loss of lives and displacement of residents. Musa called on political leaders across the country to embrace policies that promote national unity rather than deepen ethnic or religious divisions.