Yakubu Busari
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has condemned the act of renewed isolated killings in some parts of the State in Dong, Jos North; Kwi in Riyom LGA; Barkin Ladi LGA; and Irigwe, Bassa LGA gives us serious concerns.
Lalong made this disclosure at the Rwang Pam stadium Jos , represented by the secretary to the state government, SSG, Prof Danladi Atu says, the inaugural /passing out parade of the special female squad, rapid response squad and arms squad of the Nigeria security and civil defense corps, Plateau state command
Lalong assured the security agencies in the State particularly the NSCDC of the consistent support and collaboration of my administration in making their task easier.
We are benefitting enormously from your presence in the rural areas and in intelligence gathering. Because of your training in dealing with the civilian population, we see you as a great partner.
They added, that on another unique day on the Plateau, they have witnessed another progress in developing the security architecture of the State. We are therefore delighted to witness the Inaugural passing out parade of the officers and men of the Plateau State Command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, who have passed through a long period of training on weapons handling.
He , however, welcomes the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. A.A Audi mni, to Plateau State and once more congratulate him for bringing in new innovations to the operations of the Corps since taking office. Here in Plateau State, we are witnesses to the fact that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has contributed tremendously to the attainment of peace and security of our State.
According to him, he said our recent experience as a State and the current situation we are facing as a country reaffirms that without peace and security, we cannot achieve any meaningful development. That is why peace and security remain the priority of our administration.
Bako Lalong stated that on the assumption of office I resolved to find lasting solutions to the lingering crises on the Plateau and to return the State to its pride of places like the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He explained further, “we have achieved this objective, we established the Plateau Peace Building Agency with a clear mandate to drive the peace and reconciliation process and institutionalize the concept of peace beyond our administration”.
Lalong vowed to continued to support and strengthen the security agencies in the State by providing them with logistics and equipment to perform better. He said only recently, we procured and distributed 50 patrol vehicles and 200 security motorcycles to various security agencies in the State.
As the NSCDC took possession, We have also ensured that Operation Rainbow which enjoys a lot of support from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, is reformed and given more impetus to perform, he added.
He promised that through its operations and the collaboration of the Community Policing Constabulary as well as other community watch groups, we have been able to enhance the security of the State.
Despite this, we have continued to witness desperate attempts by crises merchants to resurrect violence and destruction.
I am particularly saddened by the recent wanton destruction of lives, properties, and the deliberate destruction of farmlands and crops in many communities across Bassa.
This trend is unacceptable and I personally condemn in the strongest terms, the premeditated destruction and carnage brought upon our people by enemies of peace and stability, he noted.
He repeated my charge to the security agencies to deal decisively with those who are behind these attacks and safeguard our people. I reminded them that there is a standing order by the President and Commander in Chief Muhammadu Buhari that unauthorized persons carrying AK 47 should be shot at sight.
Lalong expected that all the security agencies to step up their operations in these areas and ensure they smoke out all militia groups from their operational bases.
He assured the citizens that our administration will never fold its arms to see few criminals take Plateau State back to those dark days of pain and sorrow.
He used the ceremony to congratulate the newly trained officers and personnel of the NSCDC who have been given specialized training in weapons handling, I urge the Command to deploy them systematically to critical areas to enable them to confront criminals that are threatening the peace and security of our people.
Lalong disclosed that “You know where these criminals are and you have my support to get in there and flush them out to be brought to justice. In particular, I want you to deploy personnel to the farms to protect our farmers who are being harassed by criminals and having their crops destroyed for no reason”. These food terrorists must be stopped at all costs.
In the same vein, I wish to urge the newly trained personnel to be very professional and careful in handling weapons that will be put in their hands. They are not for oppressing the citizens but for protecting them.
Bear in mind that you shall be held personally accountable for misusing the weapons put in your hands in public trust.
Also, ensure that you resist the temptation to engage in unlawful assignments and conducts that are not authorized simply because you want to extort people and make money.
Other acts such as collusion with criminals to commit crimes will also not go unpunished. As the chief security officer of the State, I will not tolerate misconduct from any security official, whether high or low.
He congratulated the NSCDC who within the short time of his posting to Plateau State has shown great enthusiasm and determination to make the State more secure and crime-free.
To the officers and personnel who are passing out today, I rejoice with you for enduring this rigorous training and passing the test. May God protect and guide you to serve our people meritoriously.
