Tag: Insecurity

  • INSECURITY:  Tambuwal Is The Governor To Emulate -AbdulWahab

    INSECURITY: Tambuwal Is The Governor To Emulate -AbdulWahab

    By Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto

    Insecurity as an agent of destruction is considered as a bridge that hampers development in any community.

    It was against this backdrop Sokoto state government under the leadership of governor Tambuwal has donated 143 operational patrol vehicles and 550 motorcycles to security agencies within the state in 15 months.

    It could be recalled that the Eastern parts of the state,in particular, Isa,Sabon-Birni,Goronyo, Wurno and Rabah had been a no go areas as bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram incessantly cause havoc in such areas.

    To curve the menace of those inhuman members, Governor Tambuwal in his concern to his people synergistically approved to expend millions of naira to purchase working materials for the Army,Police and Vigilante to counter insurgency in such areas.

    The Council Chairman, AbdulWahab Yahaya who was briefing newsmen at the council chamber reiterated the need for members of society in the areas to fully screen who they interact with as no criminal has a mark on any part of his body to identify.

    “Considering the number of indigents killed, kidnapped, injured, coupled with the lost of social amenities important for human existence, it becomes compulsory on all of us to contribute toward insecurity that demean our economy”,AbdulWahab averred.

    Meanwhile, the Council Chairman has through the state government secured adequate killer gastroenteritis vaccines to counter the spread of the disease.

  • Insecurity: No More Amnesty For Bandits, Matawalle Declares

    Insecurity: No More Amnesty For Bandits, Matawalle Declares

    The Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, has said the state government is no longer interested in dialoguing with bandits as they have rejected the olive branch earlier extended to them.

    Speaking in Gusau, the state capital, he said that instead of dialogue, security forces would flush them out.

    “My administration will no longer grant amnesty to bandits as they have failed to embrace the peace initiative earlier extended to them,’’ the governor said while addressing a congregation.

    He urged residents to be patient and support new security measures put in place to flush out bandits and their collaborators to restore peace in the state.

    Matawalle said the barrage of attacks on bandits by security forces had made them to make a fresh overture to government, seeking dialogue.

    He said their emissaries informed him that they had repented and would want to dialogue with the government.

    He noted that some of the bandits were running out of Zamfara to other states as a result of the new security measures introduced by the state government.

    The governor warned politicians against giving any form of support to bandits, advising them to “fear God and stop buying motorcycles to distribute to people who in turn sell to bandits to perpetuate their evil acts.’’

    He warned that the government would prosecute any politician caught in the act.

    Meanwhile, commercial activities in the state have been halted following the two- week suspension of telecommunication network by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

    All banking services, mobile telephone services, internet and other related services have also been suspended.

    In a related development, the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Ayuba Elkanah, announced the suspension of movement of all motorcycles with clutches in 13 local government areas of the state.

    In a chat with newsmen, Elkanah urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies by giving them vital information that would assist in fighting crimes and criminally in the state.

    He said, “In a bid to achieve this aim, additional measures have been put in place. Riding of motorcycles that have clutches have been banned in the 13 local government areas of the state, in addition to the earlier enforcement of restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles in Gusau Local Government Area.

    “In Gusau area, Damba and Mada are equally affected in the ban on riding motorcycles with clutches,’’ Elkanah said.

    The police commissioner said they had authoritative information that some unscrupulous elements use the vehicles, especially Golf III cars and Canter trucks, to supply petroleum products and food items to bandits in their camps.

    Elkanah enjoined residents in Zamfara to bear with the security agencies because the measures put in place were temporary and in the best interest of the state.

    “We urge residents to remain law-abiding and collaborate with security agencies in ensuring that peace and security is restored in the state,’’ the police commissioner said.

  • Insecurity: Gov Masari Bans Commercial Phone Charging Points In Katsina

    Insecurity: Gov Masari Bans Commercial Phone Charging Points In Katsina

    The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has banned all commercial phone charging points in the state as part of measures to tackle the scourge of banditry.

    He issued the ban on Monday at the Katsina Government House while inaugurating the committee charged with monitoring and enforcing the recently introduced executive order in the state.

    Governor Masari believes that the latest measure, coupled with further collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Communications will drastically reduce the menace of banditry in the north-western state.

    “The latest instruction that we gave out is the closure of all commercial charging points in the most affected local government areas. Commercial charging, we believe, is also an area which is helping the bandits to acquire means of communication,” he said.

    “We believe with this and further measures we are taking with the Federal Ministry of Communication will also help in restoring normalcy to our respective communities.”

    He listed the affected local government areas as Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Paskari, Sabuwa, Kurfi, Danja, Kaita, Bakori, Funtua, Kankara, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsima, Mai’adua, Malumfashi and Funtua.

    Masari said the state government will continue studying the predicament and will bring further measures that will help address the security challenges facing the state.

    According to him, other states within the northwest are also taking the same measures to simultaneously tame banditry in the zone.

    The committee has the Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi Buba as Chairman and the Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa serving as Secretary.

    Governor Masari said the committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that its terms of reference and other items not mentioned are applied in the bid to restoring normalcy in the state.

    On his part, the police commissioner thanked Governor Masari for the confidence reposed in them, noting that they have taken note of the terms of reference and the leverages given to them to consider other possibilities in bringing a lasting solution to the state

    Buba assured the governor that the committee will work round the clock assiduously and with the fear of God in ensuring total compliance with the executive order.

  • Izere Nation Visits Governor Lalong Over Recent Attacks

    Izere Nation Visits Governor Lalong Over Recent Attacks

    *Commend His Efforts And Warn Against Politicising Insecurity

    Leaders of the Izere nation in Jos East Local Government, the home of the incumbent Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly were at the Government House in Rayfield Jos, on Tuesday 31st August 2021 for a solidarity visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong over the recent attacks in some parts of the State.

    Led by the Adagwom Izere, HRH Rev. Isaac Azi Wakili, serving and former political office holders, community leaders, former Minister of Transport, youth representatives and academicians from the Chiefdom, the delegation condoled the Governor and people of the State over the recent attacks that claimed lives and properties.

    They said they were at the Government House to appreciate the efforts of the Governor in addressing the situation and restoring normalcy within a very short time. They praised the steps taken to de-escalate the situation and save lives.

    Adagwom Izere told the Governor that the people of his kingdom remain solidly behind him because they know his efforts in promoting peace, reconciliation and tackling crimes which have ensured the return of relative peace to the State in the last six years.

    He asked the Governor not to be deterred by the criticisms and vilification of those who want to use the tragedy for political gains, saying such actions are not healthy for the peace and progress of the State.

    The Royal Father assured the Governor that the people of Izere nation remain great partners of the Rescue Administration and will not allow anybody to cause crises or take advantage of such developments to discredit the Government for political purposes.

    Responding, Governor Lalong said the visit was reassuring and another affirmation that people of Izere nation and most citizens of the State are lovers of peace and supporters of the Rescue Administration which is working to build a safe, secure and inclusive society.

    He thanked the Royal Father for always being proactive and supporting Government in its efforts to build a better Plateau.

    Lalong said the actions of a few people from the Izere nation will not jeopardize the harmonious relationship that exists between him and the people of Izere land.

    He thanked the delegation for choosing to stand with the progress of the entire State rather than be dragged into political games that seek to escalate the tensions and paint Government bad for political purposes, using the recent unfortunate attacks as a launch pad.

  • Insecurity: Second Republic Minister Tasks NASS members From Benue State to Speak Out

    Insecurity: Second Republic Minister Tasks NASS members From Benue State to Speak Out

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Second Republic Minister of Power and Steel Development, Wantaregh Paul Unongo has tasked the National Assembly Members from Benue State to support Governor Samuel Ortom in speaking out over the high rate of insecurity in the state.

    The Elder Statesman who was speaking at the expanded Stakeholders meeting held at the Government House Makurdi, expressed disgust over the continued silence of the matter on the floor of the National Assembly.

    Unongo who expressed worry over the situation, disclosed that what the Governor was saying wasn’t a personal issue but a collective matter that was affecting the entire state.

    He implored the Federal Legislators to as a matter of urgent importance raise the issue on the floor of the National Assembly.

    The Former Minister admonished Governor Ortom to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving the challenge, even as called on the Presidency to understand the pains of the Governor and do the needful.

    Also speaking, the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Mr Orker Jev said Senators from Benue State are on the same page with Governor Ortom over security challenges affecting the state.

  • How Global Politics Hampers FGs Fight Against Insecurity

    How Global Politics Hampers FGs Fight Against Insecurity

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    ….as stakeholders checkmate preponderance of crimes

    Concerted efforts by the Federal Government and numerous stakeholders in the country to checkmate the preponderance of crimes and criminalities across the country have been thwarted in some ways by the politics of arms sales rolled out by arms manufacturers and their governments in the world.

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state stated this on Wednesday while condoling people of Goronyo, Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas in the Eastern flank of the state over the recent bandits attacks in the areas.

    According to him, although the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing its best possible to end the spate of insecurity in the country, this is difficult to attain because of the ‘end users’ requirements of arms manufacturers abroad and the stipulations of their respective governments as to who or what country should procure arms and ammunition.

    “Try as the government of PMB may, Nigeria does not manufacture arms and ammunition. So, it has has to buy these from foreign countries where the arms manufacturers are situated.

    “Invariably, this makes it a victim of global arms purveying politics which determines who purchases what weapons and to what use he is going to put it.

    “There is no doubt that what is largely required in the fight against insecurity are high grade weapons and munitions, but where the procurement of such is teleguided by the interests of the producers and sellers, the government of the day will certainly witness the kind of drawbacks we have been witnessing over time in recent years,” Gov. Tambuwal said.

    He explained that despite efforts by state governors in the country, who have unanimously agreed to the deduction of $1 billion in three to four years from their lean accruals from the federal government for the purchase of working equipment for the security agencies in the country, the insecurity situation is yet to abate.

    He, however, added that all these snags will not deter the Sokoto state government from working closely with the federal government and security agencies in the state to ensure that peace is established troubled areas of the state, as over time the northern governors have met several times with the president and assured him of their total support towards addressing the security challenges in their areas.

    The Governor urged the federal government to recruit more security personnel and provide them with enough facilities, reassuring that the state government, which has since its inception six years ago donated 450 vehicles, in addition to other logistic support, to security agencies in the state, will continue to do more to strengthen their operations.

    He pledged that soon the state government will provide vehicles and allowances to lawfully constituted vigilante groups who will work under the supervision of security agencies in the state so as to curb the security challenges in the crime-prone areas.

    Turning to the communities under siege, Gov. Tambuwal appealed to them to expose informants in their midst who supply information to the criminals on the movement of people and goods.

    “Informants are our enemies. We must take appropriate measures to address their activities. Even if an informant is your son or your daughter, please let the government know. We are ready to take tackle them by bringing them to book lawfully,” he assured.

    He also urged people of the state to stop playing politics with security issues, stating that the criminals don’t categorize their victims into tribes, political parties or religion they subscribe to. Instead, they attack people irrespective of leanings or convictions.

    He appealed to traditional rulers and clerics in the state to continue to pray to Almighty Allah in order for the government to re-establish peace in the state and the country in general.

    Praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives to the brigandage of marauders, Gov. Tambuwal expressed satisfaction over the manner in which relief materials the government provided to the IDPs in the affected areas were distributed.

    Twenty four hours before the Governor’s sympathy visit a committee mandated by the state government had, on Tuesday, distributed food items to the victims of bandits’ attacks at Sabon Birni and Goronyo local government areas.

    The items distributed at Sabon Birni include 300 bags of millet,200 sacks of rice, 300 sacks of gari, 60 gallons of oil, 30 jerry cans of palm oil, 30 sacks of sugar,12 sacks of salt,15 sacks of beans, while Goronyo received 200 sacks of millet, 100 sacks of rice, 200 sacks of gari, 40 jerry cans of groundnut oil, 20 jerry cans of palm oil, 8 sacks of salt, 20 sacks of sugar among other items.

    Speaking while handing over the items to the chairmen of the local government areas, the Commissioner of Solid Minerals, Maikudi Abubakar Sabon Birni, charged the Chairmen to ensure equitable distribution of the items to the affected IDPs.

    He also prayed Allah to bring peace and sanity to the area, state and country in general; and also to prevent future reoccurrence of the incident.

    In their seperate remarks, the chairmen of the areas, Hon Abdulwahab Yahaya Goronyo and that of Sabon Birni, Umar Dan Yaro Unguwar Lalle, who received the food items on behalf of the victims of their respective areas commended the state government for its prompt response geared towards further alleviating the plight of the affected victims, assuring that the items will be shared among affected victims without any fear or favour.

    Also speaking, some members of the state government delegation: Professor Mansur Ibrahim and Malam Lawal Maidoki charged the IDPs to take the incident as destiny and will of Allah.

    They also appealed to them to intensify prayers in order to seek Allah’s intervention for the sustenance of peace and harmony.

    Other members of the committee include, the federal legislators representing Sabon Birni/ Isah constituencies, Hon. Saidu Bargaja, the Special Advisers to the Governor on emergency management and political affairs.

  • Insecurity: Gov Matawalle Calls For State Of Emergency In Northern Nigeria

    Insecurity: Gov Matawalle Calls For State Of Emergency In Northern Nigeria

    Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has called for a state of emergency in the northern part of the country over the security challenges in the region.

    He made the call on Wednesday at a meeting with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 10, Ali Janga, at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.

    The governor who is seriously concerned about the series of attacks in many states in the region believes a declaration of a state of emergency will address the problem of insecurity in the North.

    Nigeria’s northern region comprises three geopolitical zones – North East, North West, and North-Central – and 19 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Over the years, parts of the region have been grappling with a series of criminal activities such as kidnapping, bombings, and attacks on communities as a result of insurgency and banditry.

    Before now, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the region while millions were forced to flee their ancestral homes.

    Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) are largely responsible for the incidents in the North East, while bandits have continued to engage in kidnapping for ransom in the North West and parts of the North Central.

    Schools and security formations have been targets for the criminals, and the latest is the attack on the Nigeria Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State.

    For some persons of concern, including Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, there is a strong connection between the terrorists and the bandits.

    Following the meeting with the senior police officer on Wednesday, Governor Matawalle briefed the people of the state on the present security situation in Zamfara.

    Read the full text of the briefing below:

    My dear people of Zamfara State.

    Following the recent upsurge in banditry attacks in some parts of our dear State, I feel compelled to address you on the new steps being taken by my administration to contain the situation.

    As we all know, the primary objective of the state is to provide security for the lives of the people and their property. My primary motivation for running for the office of governor in 2019 is to devote myself to addressing the enormous and protracted security challenges faced by our dear state for over a decade.

    I wish to express my profound sympathies to all those who have lost their loved ones, property, and those who have been displaced and separated from their family. My heart goes to the women and children who have been forced to live in deplorable conditions of being widows, orphans and displaced as a result of the bandits’ constant onslaught.

    One can only imagine the constant state of misery and sleeplessness that our people are frequently experiencing. We must remain resolute in our efforts to contain this situation.

    Even though we were all aware of the bleak situation of Zamfara State before I took over as Governor in May 2019, it would not be inappropriate for me to take a trip down memory lane to remind us of it.

    Many parts of the state were literally governed by the bandits, who were having a field day in virtually all the rural areas of the state. Villages were being raided in the most inhumane manner possible-massacres carried out, and those who survived the attacks were subjected to all forms of indignities, including rape and torture.

    Virtually all markets were closed as traders could not risk their lives to attend the markets. There was a general sense of despondency everywhere, as the entire rural economy, which is largely agrarian, had collapsed, posing the threat of starvation. The rural Zamfara was a huge centre of humanitarian catastrophe with people left to their own devices.

    From day one, my administration took a close look at the situation and weighed the choices. Following extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders and security services, it was overwhelmingly agreed that the best way to address such a huge security challenge, which has the appearance of ethnic and inter-communal disharmony, is through dialogue and reconciliation with feuding parties. For example:

    We have seen a remarkable precedent in the act of Prophet Muhammad, may the peace of Allah be upon him, where he brokered peace with Banu Aws and Banu Khazraj through the process of dialogue and reconciliation.

    In our contemporary time, we have seen how the dialogue mechanism was used to end the Nigerian civil war, which raged between 1967 and 1970; the Lebanese civil war of 1975 to 1990; we have seen how peace mechanism worked between Tivs and Jukun and many other conflicts that are directly or indirectly linked to ethnicity in Nigeria.

    It is evident from our experience in history that social eruptions and conflicts that border on ethnic or religious fault lines are better addressed through the instrument of dialogue instead of military or police action. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to such issues. In reality, experience has shown that they are better addressed via dialogue and reconciliation, as violence frequently leads to further violence.

    As a fallout of our dialogue and reconciliation policy, hostilities between the bandits and Yansakai were immediately ceased. The state witnessed about nine months of peace; hundreds of kidnapped people were unconditionally released by their captives; hundreds of assorted arms and ammunition were surrendered by both the bandits and the Yansakai.

    The state witnessed the rebirth of the glorious era of brotherhood, love and mutual coexistence between members of the Fulani ethnic group and the Hausas. For the first time, in more than a decade, the annual Sharu festival was held in Gusau in 2019.

    The amazing successes of our peace efforts made our initiative appealing to some of the states sharing similar experiences as our state. Some of them opted for dialogue but eventually abandoned the programme after running into some issues.

    However, things took a dramatic turn, with the issue given political colouration by a section of politicians. Some people saw our progress as a threat to their political survival and began making disparaging efforts to undermine our achievements. Those acts of sabotage were the beginning of the ugly turn of events.

    The primary hurdles to our peace efforts, based on my experience over the last two years, are:

    Reluctance on the part of the affected states to engage in peace talks, which would have denied the recalcitrant bandits who are currently making life difficult for our people a safe passage through the region; lack of support from a section of politicians and conflict entrepreneurs that wish to take advantage of the situation to achieve political ends; and the need for the Federal Government to key into the peace initiative so that appropriate resources can be allocated to make it more comprehensive.

    My good people of Zamfara state, you are living witnesses to all our unwavering commitments to peace. I have had cause to meet with Mr President on matters relating to the state’s security on several occasions.

    I met the national security chiefs on numerous occasions. I have extended an olive branch to our political opponents in view of my conviction that attaining a lasting peace will require unity among all segments of society. Almost all my engagements outside the state are related to issues of security.

    In taking my recent decision to move to the APC, my aim is to have an all-inclusive government where people with different political perspectives will put their hands together for the development of our dear state. I reached out to the notable political figures in the State and made known to them my desire to have a united front to confront and address the numerous issues of development affecting our state.

    I have made several political offers to the opposition because I have no mission far crucial than that of securing our state. This I have done despite vehement objection by my political associates. My belief has always been no amount of sacrifice is too much for peace.

    This is why I took myself to the doorsteps of some political stakeholders with the aim of uniting ourselves to form a formidable team to address the disturbing security challenge bedevilling our dear State in the spirit of forging unity for the benefit of our dear state.

    Apart from our peace and reconciliation efforts and the recent political developments, we have equally maintained our obligations to our security forces through the provision of logistical and all other supports they require to discharge their function.

    We had an expanded Security Council meeting last Monday in furtherance of our steadfast efforts to confront this persistent challenge. The meeting was attended by all security chiefs, emirs, and the ulamas. I commend all of them for positively and sincerely offering their advice on how best to tackle the problems at hand.

    We reviewed the effectiveness or otherwise of the current security measures aimed at containing the security challenge and received reports from members. Some of the observations and resolutions of the meeting that we can share with the public are:

    The security agencies have given their assurances to the general public of commitment to protecting lives and property across the State, as well as their readiness for rapid and prompt response to distress calls;

    The general public should therefore continue to cooperate and support the security forces to achieve the desired objective. We should appreciate the monumental sacrifices by our security agents and encourage them to work harder;

    Security is everyone’s responsibility, People should, therefore, be vigilant and report any suspicious character to the appropriate authorities;

    Islamic scholars are called upon to intensify sermons and preaching on issues bordering on security, sanctity and inviolability of human life;

    The conventional and new media practitioners should play a positive role in promoting peace and harmony and desist from disseminating unconfirmed and inciting reports that may jeopardise public security;

    Politicians should join ranks and work in unison towards combatting the security challenge;

    Apart from the measures outlined, the meeting has also agreed to take further tactical measures to effectively contain the challenging situation across the State.

    My dear people of Zamfara State, I would like to use this opportunity to call on all of us to remain fervently prayerful for peace to reign in our State and the nation in general. We should ask Allah for forgiveness and His divine intervention.

    Once again, I wish to extend my deep sympathy to those who sustained various degrees of injuries those recuperating in hospitals and at home. I wish them speedy recovery and good health. Government will continue to give them all medical and other necessary support.

    I reassure you that we are doing everything humanly possible to address this lingering challenge.

    I thank you all.

    Wassalamu Alaikum

  • Insecurity: The Govt Knows Sponsors Of Boko Haram, Says Ex- Naval Officer

    Insecurity: The Govt Knows Sponsors Of Boko Haram, Says Ex- Naval Officer

    Former Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi on Wednesday hinted that the Nigerian government knows those behind the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency in the country. 

    He made the comment during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

    “They [government] know. Of course, it is in the news,” Commodore Olawunmi said.

    “In April this year, the government said they had arrested 400 Bureau De Change (BDCs)-related people that were sponsoring Boko Haram. They told us.”

    The presidency had earlier said it would publish names of those behind the Boko Haram war with the development generating heated controversy across the country. 

    But months down the line, the long-waited list is yet to be made public, a situation the ex-military officer says does not bode well for the government who he accused of shielding criminals. 

    “Try them, we know them. Why can’t this government, if not that they are partisan, bring those people out for trial?” he asked, corroborating calls from several quarters for the Federal Government to make good its promise. 

    He claimed that the government has developed cold feet in fighting the insurgency because some of those backing Boko Haram are now top-ranking government officials.

    “I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in government that the boys we arrested mentioned,” he said, referencing his time as a member of the military intelligence team in 2017.

    “Some of them are governors now. Some of them are in the Senate. Some of them are in Aso Rock.”

    ‘We Can’t Use Same Strategy’

    Olawunmi’s remark is the latest in the continued debates about how Nigeria can end the Boko Haram war which has led to thousands of deaths and displaced millions especially in the northeast and some neighbouring countries. 

    While the military says the ongoing onslaught against the terrorists has yielded results and the criminals surrendering in ‘droves’, calls for granting amnesty to some of the “repentant” members of the sect have also divided opinions among stakeholders. 

    Advocates, citing the amnesty programme of the ex-President Musa Yar’Adua to ex-Niger Delta militants, say it will bring peace to the troubled North-East. 

    But Olawunmi has faulted the move. 

    “The challenge we have in this country cannot be solved the same way we solved the problem of the Niger Delta. I told them we can’t use the same strategy for Boko Haram,” he argued, citing when he served a security and intelligence brief at the Defence Headquarters between 2016 and 2017.

    According to him, fishing out the sponsors is a major way of ending the war.

     “The centre of gravity of Boko Haram and insurgency in Nigeria are the sponsors of that programme,” the professor of Intelligence and Global Security Studies, added. 

  • How Accord party will address insecurity, unemployment in Anambra – Maduka

    How Accord party will address insecurity, unemployment in Anambra – Maduka

     Dr Godwin Maduka,  governorship candidate of Accord Party in the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra, has outlined solutions to insecurity, unemployment and other problems bedevilling  the state.Maduka, a medical practitioner, told our correspondent in Awka on Monday that the party had mapped out lasting solutions to the challenges, if voted to power in the state.He said an increase in literacy level and attraction of foreign investors to the state would solve the problems of insecurity and unemployment.“We are ready and we are working to rescue the people of Anambra state.“The state has been witnessing  unprecedented level of insecurity ranging from communal clashes, armed robbery, assassination,  kidnapping and cultism.“Insecurity is birthed from a lack of job and money.“If I become the governor, we are going to change the narrative by encouraging foreign investors and Anambra billionaires to come, invest and establish their companies in the state.“About 30 to 40 per cent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Lagos is from the Igbos. You can imagine what will happen if they come home and replicate same.“We will partner with some of these investors to build institutions that will create employment and wealth for our people.“The kind of IGR we will get from Nnewi, Onitsha and other metropolis, plus the allocation from Abuja will be enough to drive infrastructural development in the state, especially the education sector.“Increasing literacy level will help change the thinking and attitudes of residents and the youths, so that they shun vices that fuel insecurity in the state,” Maduka said.The governorship candidate said he would also ensure decency in politics to discourage people from idolising corruption, violence and thuggery.He urged the people to elect Accord Party during the election, in order to witness integrity and real development, commensurate with the resources of the state.”If the people of Anambra want real, positive and progressive change, let them install a government that will keep its words and be fully committed to community development.“If I become the governor of Anambra state, our people will not regret it. My governance will benefit all –  my opponents, friends and foes, ” Maduka said.

  • Insecurity: 17 Sokoto Communities Relocate To Niger Republic Over Bandits’ Attacks

    Insecurity: 17 Sokoto Communities Relocate To Niger Republic Over Bandits’ Attacks

    Over 50,000 residents of 17 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area have relocated to Niger Republic over incessant bandits’ attacks.

    This was disclosed by the member representing Sabon Birni North constituency at the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Almustapha Boza.

    Boza said the villagers are currently taking refuge at Tudun Sunnah village, Gidan Runji Local Government in Maradi State of Niger Republic.

    The lawmaker, however, alleged that he made several attempts to see Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over their plight but to no avail.

    “I have been trying to see the governor but he refused to grant me audience because he knows my reason of seeing him.

    “Our people are being killed every day. So far, we counted over 50,000 of them taking refuge in Niger Republic. It took us two days to count them in the presence of Governor of Maradi and chairman of Gidan Runji.

    “I am regretting joining politics. I know the kind of support we gave the governor during his re-election because he promised us security, development and others but look at it, my people are suffering and he cannot come or send a delegate or even relief materials to them.

    “The last time he (Tambuwal) came to our area was after bandits massacred several people in Tarah area last year where he advised my constituents against taking arms to defend themselves,” he alleged.

    However, Governor Tambuwal denied shunning the lawmaker, saying he has been contacting him over the security situation in his constituency.

    Speaking through his media aide, Tambuwal recalled that he had facilitated a meeting between the Commissioner of Police, the Director DSS in the state and the lawmaker during which he was directed to contact any one of them in any distressed situation.

    He added that the member was one of the two members invited for the last security meeting but only that of the Isa Constituency attended.

    Tambuwal further explained that providing security is a prerogative of the president but despite that the state government would not shy away from its responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing and welfare of its people.

    Tambuwal also said that he had called the lawmaker last Thursday before departing the state on an official trip.

    But the lawmaker denied being invited to attend any security meeting, just as he admitted talking to the governor on phone last Thursday during which he asked him to call the Minister of Police Affairs, the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Senator Ibrahim Gobir and the Chief of Army Staff over the security situation in his area, to which he responded that he was not the “Chief Security officer” of the state.

    “That was the only time he called me and those were what he told me to do,” he alleged.

    Boza described the condition of the refugees as pathetic because they were staying in an open place with no toilets, food or drugs.

    “They are living under the rain and sun, with nothing from the local and state governments. I bought some bags of garrin rogo, rice and mosquito nets with some drugs for them and I will buy more today. My fear is what will happen if there is any outbreak in the camp,” he said.

    He noted that over 300 people lost their lives to banditry in Sabon Birni Local Government Area between 2020 and now.

    On why he was blaming Governor Tambuwal while he has no control over security operatives, he said that the governor is the Chief Security Officer of his state.

    “We have seen what Governor Zulum is doing in Borno State to bring peace to his people. Today, you will see him at the villa, tomorrow either with Chief of Army Staff or Chief of Air Staff or even at the refugee camp and his efforts are paying because Boko Haram members are voluntarily surrendering themselves to the Army.

    “Another example is what his friend and our neighbour, the governor of Zamfara State, is doing to restore peace in the state.

    “This is what we want to see from Governor Tambuwal – going to places where he knows we can get help, especially now that the Chief of Army Staff is from Sokoto. He should visit him and solicit for his support because there is no way the federal government can come in without the cooperation of the state government,” he said.

    On whether he would resign from his position because of the situation, he said “I had wanted to resign since but I was prevailed upon by some prominent people in Sokoto, including Islamic scholars.”

    He dismissed the accusation that security issue was being politicized in Sabon Birni.

    When contacted, the Chairman of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Umaru Danyaro Unguwan Lalle, said he would not grant any interview on the matter because they were still collating data of the affected communities.

    “I don’t want to give wrong figures as other people used to do. I have to be sure of what I reveal to the press,” he said.

    However, the state Commissioner for Career and Security Matters, retired Colonel Garba Moyi, denied that the state government was not doing anything to ameliorate the plight of Sabon Birni residents.

    He said that the government has continued to provide financial and logistic support to security agencies in the state.

    According to Moyi, unless there were adequate security operatives in the area and they were allowed to operate freely, the problem would continue to linger.

    “We learnt that the current General Officer Commanding 8 Division has directed his men not to respond to distress calls and not to operate at night. This directive must be withdrawn by the GOC,” he said.

    Moyi enjoined the people of Sabon Birni to always report informants in their midst and to stop politicizing security issue.

    He also urged them to stop going after bandits after any attack on their community to avoid ambush.

    In an earlier interview, the spokesman of the 8 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major Adamu Yahaya Ngulde, dismissed the allegations, saying the army always responds to distress calls as directed by the General Officer Commanding the division.

    “The GOC had directed the army to respond to any distress call and to ensure timely rescue of kidnapped victims but in doing so, they should be cautious of ambush.

    “Just two weeks ago, the Garrison Commander led a clearance operation along that axis,” he said.

    On the alleged withdrawal of troop deployed to the area, he said there was nothing like that. “In fact, the current Chief of Army Staff has injected more troops to deal with banditry in the region,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has been appointed chairman of the Sokoto Main Security Committee by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    This followed a stakeholders meeting on security which held at the International Conference Hall, Kasarawa on Wednesday.

    The meeting was attended by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his deputy, Manir Dan’iya, former Governors of the state, Attahiru Bafarawa and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko respectively.

    According to Governor Tambuwal, the meeting was convened to discuss the lingering security problems in the state and finding solutions to them.