The people of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State are once again drawing national attention to a case they describe as a grave miscarriage of justice—the sentencing to death of Zidane, a local man who, according to community members, acted in self-defense during deadly attacks on their villages.
Zidane’s story is rooted in years of insecurity that have plagued parts of southern Kaduna. Community accounts state that he rose to defend his people during violent invasions that threatened lives and livelihoods. Rather than being recognized for protecting vulnerable residents, Zidane was arrested by the government of the time, prosecuted, and eventually sentenced to death by hanging. Many in Kajuru insist that the process was deeply flawed, arguing that his actions were taken in defense of innocent lives, not as a criminal.
Today, anger and frustration are boiling over. In a strongly worded notice, residents of Kajuru have declared that they will boycott any election in the local government if Zidane is not released immediately. They emphasize that their actions will remain peaceful, but warn that protests will commence if their demand for justice continues to be ignored.
This is more than a local dispute; it raises serious questions about self-defense, due process, and the state’s responsibility to protect citizens facing persistent security threats. When communities feel abandoned and individuals who step in to protect lives are punished, public trust in institutions erodes rapidly.
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