Residents of Kaduna State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the Government House in Kaduna city, 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, organisers and eyewitnesses say.

The demonstrators, made up of youths women and community members, gathered earlier at the UTC Roundabout in Kaduna metropolis before marching to Government House while chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards. Some of the signs read “Where is Dadiyata?” “We demand public scrutiny audit now” and “Publish loan agreement spending breakdown now.”

Dadiyata a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted by unknown gunmen from his residence in 2019 and has not been seen since, a disappearance that continues to spark controversy and public concern across the state.

Addressing journalists during the march Anas Yusuf one of the protest leaders said the demonstration was driven by a demand for transparency and accountability. He said the group was not motivated by politics but sought answers on long-standing insecurity, the unresolved fate of Dadiyata and public loan agreements from the previous administration.

“We demand accountability,” Yusuf said. “Kaduna bled communities were attacked kidnappings escalated and fear became the norm during the last administration. The former governor must answer hard questions.”

Protest leaders also asked for a thorough public audit of the state’s finances under the El-Rufai administration, especially loans obtained during his tenure including a $350 million World Bank facility they said deserved full disclosure and breakdown of spending.

Another organiser Joseph Chori described Dadiyata’s disappearance as an “open wound” and said residents were deeply troubled by the lack of clarity on the matter. “A family still waits Kaduna still asks what happened,” he said.

Participants said the protest was peaceful and emphasised the importance of strengthening justice and democratic processes in the state while urging authorities to address their concerns.