By ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has charged security agencies in the state to be just and fair to everyone and respond immediately to emergency calls of residents when bandits attack them.
The governor stated this on Saturday at Sabon Gida Jada in Alkaleri Local Government Area, when he led the State Commissioner of Police, Umar Sanda and top Government officials, to pay a sympathy visit to the community, following a deadly attack by bandits.
He said: “The situation we’ve found ourselves in now is a test from God. Our leaders, especially our traditional rulers and religious leaders, should all go back to God, including all of us politicians.
“Security agencies should also be fair and just to everyone. If they are called during emergencies, they should respond immediately. They should mingle with the people especially partner with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp and other security agencies.
“The District Head of Pali has just told me to show appreciation to the DPO of Alkaleri Division, I don’t know him, so you see, these type of people should be appreciated. When someone is working and is proactive, he should be commended.
“We, as a government cannot do it, except with the help of security agencies, the Police, the army, the Civil Defense. The DSS have been doing their best by giving us all intelligence reports and we are taking proactive steps. We want to assure you that the government of Bauchi state is prepared to protect you to the best of our ability.”
He expressed concern that if left unchecked, the relative peace being enjoyed in the state would collapse as bandits appeared to be emboldened in their onslaught on several parts of the country.
The governor who admitted that these recent attacks by bandits in the hitherto peaceful state were becoming rampant, charged citizens to be on the alert saying that the security agencies cannot defeat bandits alone without the support of the locals.
He therefore called on residents to join hands with security agencies in the fight against criminals by being on the lookout and give information on any suspicious activities or movements of strange individuals in the area.
Governor Mohammed promised to strengthen relations between communities and the security agencies, particularly the police, in order to further maintain the hitherto place enjoyed in the state.
While sympathising with the residents of Sabon Gari Jada, the governor described Maryam Mohammed who was killed while preventing the bandits from killing her son as a heroine.
He said her death was not in vain saying the administration would immortalise her as her heroic act was an example for others, especially women.
Governor Mohammed charged the police to promptly respond to distress calls and information made by residents to forestall future recurrence.
Earlier the Chairman of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Yusuf Garba, disclosed that the bandits infiltrated communities in the area through border neighbouring communities in Plateau and Taraba States.
Garba thanked the Governor for the visit, saying it is a demonstration of his love for his people and concern for security.
He also urged the residents of Alkaleri to continue to be proactive, noting that security is not in the hands of security agencies alone as individuals have roles to play in safeguarding the community.
On his part, The Commissioner of Police appealed to residents to always provide the police with information that would help in addressing crimes and other criminal activities.
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