By Suleiman Usman Yusuf
In view of the recent surge in car thefts across Kaduna State, particularly along Isa Kaita Road from the evening hours onward, it has become necessary to raise public awareness and caution all vehicle owners.
A few days ago, a brother of mine, who is a senior military officer, visited Kaduna and stopped at Corporate Plaza on Isa Kaita Road to run a few errands. Unfortunately, his car, a Pontiac Vibe, was stolen within minutes of parking it around 8:00 p.m.
Shockingly, his younger brother had experienced a similar incident some months earlier at almost the exact location (near Video Max) around 8:30 p.m., when his Toyota Corolla was stolen barely three minutes after stopping to buy shawarma.
About two months ago, I was on the same street around 9:00 p.m. and met a man whose Honda EOD had just been stolen moments before I arrived. While we were still discussing the issue, another person joined and narrated how two cars had been stolen along the same street not long before.
Sadly, this problem is not limited to Isa Kaita Road alone. Other incidents have occurred across Kaduna Metropolis. For instance, about a year ago, one of my elders had his Honda Civic stolen at Sultan Bello Mosque during Friday prayers. Around the same time, my uncle’s Toyota was also stolen at the Dan Fodio Mosque during Juma’at prayers.
A few months ago, a friend who owns a shop at Kaduna Central Market had his Honda Civic stolen from the KASUPDA Car Park. Another friend’s Toyota was taken from Barau Dikko Hospital’s parking area, despite the exit-card security system meant to prevent such occurrences.
I have personally witnessed the trauma many of these victims went through, including how their daily routines and family lives were disrupted. I have accompanied some of them to various police stations to report these incidents, yet none of the cases have yielded any feedback or results.
Please note: no matter the value or condition of your car, it can be a target. These criminals are always on the lookout, and it is important to take every possible precaution to secure your vehicle.
I am not certain how much the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies, including the NPF Kaduna and the Nigeria Police Force, are aware of these disturbing trends. Still, I am using this medium to draw their attention to the growing threat. I also urge His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to take swift and decisive action to address this alarming situation.
It is worth noting that, in the first two incidents mentioned above, the victims received calls within 12 hours stating that some of their personal identification items (such as ID cards and national ID cards) had been found at Kwanar Dangora. This suggests that many of these stolen vehicles are quickly transported out of Kaduna shortly after the theft.
ADVICE TO CAR OWNERS
To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, kindly consider the following preventive measures (though not exhaustive):
1. Install a reliable car tracker if you can afford one.
2. If not, use mechanical or pedal locks or other simple devices to reinforce your vehicle’s security.
3. Avoid parking in dark or isolated areas, especially at night.
4. Do not leave your car engine running while stepping out, even briefly.
5. Even when your car is properly locked, take extra steps such as locking your steering wheel, using pedal or gear locks, and installing security alarms or tracking devices. Locking alone is often not enough.
6. When visiting crowded public places such as mosques, markets, or hospitals, try to park in well-secured and well-lit spaces.
DISCLAIMER (PLEASE READ)
This message is not intended to cause fear or panic, but to create awareness and promote vigilance. The rate of car theft in Kaduna is alarming, and the more we discuss it openly, the better our chances are of prompting action from the authorities and encouraging citizens to be more careful.
Let us all remain alert, report suspicious movements, and look out for one another. Together, we can make our communities safer.
Stay vigilant, stay safe.
Suleiman writes from Kaduna and can be reached via suleimanusmanbac@gmail.com.
