Worried by the spate of abductions by bandits in Northern Nigeria especially the Northwest region, State Governors in the sub-region ignored their political differences and united against terrorists who have made the zone unsafe.
This is as the federal government vowed to rescue scores of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) abducted at Wurge community in Ngala Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, as well as the school children kidnapped at Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuriga in Gwagwada District, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, by bandits.
Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, who spoke in Sokoto at the graduation of 2,596 Sokoto State Community Guards Committee (SSCGC) trainees on Saturday, emphasized the urgency for the Northern region to confront the current security challenges it faces.
Mohammed, who is one of the Northeastern Governors where the trend of insecurity (Boko Haram) has grossly dealt a big blow on its citizens, also said he feels ashamed of being called a Northerner as a result of the rising insecurity being perpetrated by its citizens.
Also, Gov. Aliyu Sokoto who reviewed the parade performed by the Corps at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, vowed to commit everything possible to end security challenges in the state as he provided 30 Hilux patrol vehicles and 800 motorcycles to support the operations of the guards against banditry and kidnappings in communities across 13 LGs in eastern Sokoto most affected by the menace.
He pointed out that the issue of security was a fundamental and critical aspect of his government’s 9-point smart agenda, stressing that the initiative was informed by the serial concerns and security challenges being witnessed across the state as a result of banditry and kidnapping activities.
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar said the spate of threats caused to citizens, especially in the north was alarming.
He acknowledged the giant steps being taken by governors in the region towards bringing an end to the menace while advocating the establishment of a Trust Fund to maintain quasi-security forces across all levels to sustain their operations.
Also, former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Senate Committee Chairman on Local and Foreign Debts noted that security was a pillar in attaining development.
He decried how insecurity had brought the society down on its knees adding that it has affected the economy and well-being of the society.
Trainer of the Corps, Major General Junaidu Sani Bindawa (rtd) explained that the 2,596 graduands went through intensive physical exercises on general community policing, ambush and control, weapon handling, and acts of securing their respective communities.
Bindawa added: “They are strictly trained to maintain peace and not harass anyone. I am also ready to go to the field to lead the operation”, he dispassionately declared while emphasising the need for responsive technology-driven joint operations against insurgency and other crimes rocking the peace and lives and property of innocent citizens. (GUN)
