From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The Plateau State government has procured 100 motorcycles to security agencies to secure farms and ensure food security.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang said in Jos on Thursday at the distribution of the motorcycles that it was part of the strategy to ward off bandits terrorising farmers in the state.
Other items distributed included raincoats and rain boots.
Mutfwang said that the motorcycles were specifically meant for round-the-clock surveillance in the bush and will enable security forces to access areas where vehicles cannot reach.
He said, “We are trying to ensure that we fish out the hiding places, the entry points of these criminals into Plateau State.
“And for that reason we have made massive investments, particularly in technology. When we are going to unveil the technological center, you will know.
“But at the moment we have sufficient capacity to monitor every nook and cranny of Plateau State. And by the grace of God, what we are preparing is to be able to equip the ground response.
“And as you know, the reason why we are called Plateau is because our terrain is full of plateau. And there are places that vehicles can’t reach and d even ordinary motorcycles cannot go.
“And therefore, in conjunction with our security heads, we have procured this first batch of motorcycles that will be used for round-the-clock surveillance.
This is particularly important as we ensure that the security forces give cover to our farmers. We have trusted God this year that our farmers should go to their farms.
“We have procured the first batch of motor cycles to be used for round the clock surveillance. This is particularly important to ensure that the security forces give cover to our farmers.
“We have trusted God that this year our farmers should go back to farm and many of them have done so and you know that the activities of bandits have not seized but with these motorcycles they will be able to enter into every nook and crany of the state”.
He said that the motorcycles were not meant for personal and would be confiscated if used for purposes other than what it was meant for.
Mutfwang said, “But let me make it clear that the distribution we have made is specifically to be used in the bush and if any is seeing within the town, it will be seized”.
The governor noted that the state has made significant strides in identifying the hiding places and entry points of criminals in the state. He added that massive investments have been made in technology, which will be unveiled soon.
Sector commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Maxwell Lede, appreciated the state government for the gesture and promised that farmers will be adequately protected in their farms.
Lede said added that the distribution of the motorcycles, raincoats and rain boots is a significant step towards addressing the security challenges in Plateau State.
According to him, “The motorcycles will enable security agencies to respond quickly to distress calls and patrol areas that were previously inaccessible. The raincoats and rain boots will also ensure that security personnel are protected from the elements while on duty.