By Abel Leonard/ Lafia
A state that cannot secure its borders and vital national interests will always feel threatened, exploited, dominated, as it cannot secure itself against internal and internal security threats which will bring about a break down of peace, law & order, unity , integrity or development.
Recognising these facts, on may 29, 2019, in lafia township square during the swearing in of his Excellency Engr Abdullahi Sule the present Governor of Nasarawa state as the fourth democratically elected governor of the state he stated that as part of his priority, his administration will place emphasis on security, owing to the facts available to him that over the years there have been a general security challenges in some parts of the state and that has affected it development.
In his word he said ” development would only occur if there were any atmosphere of peace and security of lives and properties which is the basic constitutional function of the government “
It is obvious that Gov. Sule has kept his word and fulfilling the pledge he made during his campaign and the swearing, you will also agree that in the past two years in Nasarawa state they have been peace experienced by among ethic in the state except for the recent Ajimaka massacre which led to the destruction of lives and properties therefore displacing families who have resorted in taking refuge in Doma, Agyaragu and Kadarko respectively.
Gov. Sule had since condemned the killings calling it an act that is reprehensible, callous and inexcusable, adding that any attack that does not spare women and children bears the trademark of devilish elements who are bent on truncating the relative peace already experienced in the state.
Engr. Sule while assuring the people of the state of his determination to curb insecurity in the state also said that security operatives have since commenced investigations that will expose the criminals with a view to punishing them according to the laws of the land.
“My condolences and prayers are with families of those whose lives were lost. I urge them and the rest of our citizens to be rest assured that this administration will do all within its power to ensure Justice, peace and security across the state” Governor Sule adds”.
The Governor also calls for calm and support to law enforcement agents in the collective fight against evil.
Governor Sule in his usual way of addressing issues concerning insecurity sent a powerful delegation led by his Deputy His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe to visit the place of attack and also the displaced victims stationed at Doma and keana. In his address the governor said that he was in the community in order to ensure a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis between troubled Tiv Farmers and Fulani Herdsmen.
He stressed that the government is not happy with the destruction of lives and properties in the area, pleading with the farmers and herders to give peace a chance, adding that, there cannot be any form of development in an atmosphere of rancour.
“Government will work hard to ensure that all those who fled their homes return back to continue their normal lives. I am calling on the warring factions to agree to live in peace and harmony for development to thrive. The crisis is causing the state government a lot in terms of financial, material and human resources”, he said.
Our Correspondent gathered that, Representatives of Fulani Herdsmen and Tiv farmers acknowledged that the crisis was an extension of the farmer-herder hostilities in Benue state which steered up tension and panic in Nasarawa state.
Assuming office in 2019, engr Sule as part of the measures put in place to tackle the insecurity in the state had a meeting with the Governor of Benue state, his Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom to brainstorm towards finding a lasting solution to the incessant crisis between ethnic groups, farmers/ Herders crisis amongst others.
In that regard, it became very clear that governor Sule is a man of peace showing the political will that he is fully committed to securing the lives and properties of the people of Nasarawa state.
Engr. Sule further showed his commitment when he identified critical issues that if put in place would address and ensure lasting solutions along the communities. Adding that he is worried that crisis along the border communities emanated in the midst of combating the spread of the corona virus added with the economic downturn caused by the virus.
Sule confirmed that the security architecture in the state has to be strengthened as he identified boundary disputes and frequent incursions by livestock guards from Benue state who allegedly used to cross over to Nasarawa state to arrest Fulani Herdsmen, calling on Fulani herdsmen residents in Nasarawa to avoid grazing in dispute areas.
One of the surprise Gov. Sule administration pulled in fighting insecurity in the state is his courageous efforts of attracting federal government security outfit to the state through the then inspector – General of police, AIG, Adamu Muhammed to establish the mobile Training College at Endi Hill in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of the state as well as Air Force Base in LafiaThe Nasarawa state Capital.
The purpose of setting up these base in Nasarawa is to fight the Daru- Salam Hakka in Toto and Awe local Government Areas of the state amongst other crimes in the north central ranging from banditry and kidnappings.
Governor sule also recoded a milestone by taking a bold step in checking the activities of criminal elements in the state was offered the Lafia Cargo Airport as an operational base for the NAF 22 Quick responses special Forces collaborating with operation whirl Stroke with a view to strengthen security in the state and in the North Central.
Our Correspondent also gathered that the strategic plan taken by his Excellency Engr Abdullahi Sule is a clear indication that his administration is determined to transformed Nasarawa state to a global edifice by ensuring the safety of investors and other residents in the state by resolving the internal security network of the state.
The governor in his steadfastness to create an enabling environment for the people in the state he resorted in holding meetings with traditional rulers, local government chairmen, stakeholders and various security agencies towards ensuring the elimination of crime in the state.
As a result of these score card by Gov. Sule there is no doubt that he is manifesting his campaign promises towards ensuring the peace and security of the people in the state which is Paramount to human endeavours. His strategic measures to addressing insecurity issues is saddled with his tenacity to erode the state from criminal elements. Stakeholders in the state have seen a direct effect on economic growth with drastic reduction of crimes due to sule’s efforts, the ongoing construction of major infrastructural projects, the returned of robust economy, wowing investors, improved commercial activities in all areas.
Gov. Sule in February 2020 signed into law the ‘ Nasarawa state kidnapping Act Prohibition Law 2020″ this is in a bid to improve security for the people of the state assenting to this bill that prescribed death penalty for anyone found guilty of kidnapping in the state.
The Law, according to the governor was extensively deliberated and passed by law by the state House of assembly spelling out various offences relating to kidnapping and prescribes stringent punishment for perpetrators, such as life imprisonment and death penalty.
The law also added that there will be forfeiture of any property used by kidnapers in the state while owners of such property would be liable to 20 years jail term.
Amongst the various governor elected to serve their people in 2019, governor Sule have stand out from many especially in the Northern Nigeria as many companies are now comfortably setting up establishment in the state especially the Dangote sugar refinery in Awe- Tunga which is expected to move thousands of Nasarawa indigenes off streets.
