From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has proposed the establishment of an Army operational base which would be in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi state to be checkmating the attacks by bandits and other terrorist groups.
The Governor disclosed this when he paid condolence visits to Tadurga village, Zuru LGA and Kyebu, in Danko/Wasagu LGA.
The visits followed recent bandits’ attack in Tadurga and Kyebu, which resulted to the loss of lives and rustling of cattle.
Idris also disclosed that he has facilitated the immediate deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other equipment from Abuja to the state.
The Governor said that the state government would swiftly help in establishing the base in the area with a view to further protecting the lives and property of the communities.
He directed the urgent provision of a temporary accommodation for the base pending the construction of a permanent structure.
Idris said that no government would fold its arms and allow its law abiding citizens to suffer from the hands of bandits and other criminals.
He added that his administration was concerned about the tragedy that resulted to the loss of lives, affirming that his administration accords top priority to security.
He described the deaths of the people as sad, praying the Almighty Allah to grant them Aljannah Firdausi and speedy recovery for those injured.
Idris said,” I despatched a high powered delegation led by my Deputy to come and condole with you when the tragedy occurred as I was away on an official assignment.
“I have a long standing cordial relationship with the Zuru Emirate just like other parts of the state. and that is why I found it imperative to be here today.
“We are here to see things for ourselves, commiserate with you and reassure you about the urgent actions taken to bolster the security of lives and property of the people.
“We are unwaveringly committed to ensuring that every citizen of Kebbi state sleeps with his or her two eyes closed.
“My administration will never play with the issue of security and we will handle it with seriousness”.
He recalled that two years back, insecurity in the area was at its peak before the advent of his administration, after which decisive action was taken to restore normalcy.
‘’ My administration has expended substantial amount on security, We procured 80 Hilux vehicles for security personnel, provided 1,500 motorcycles to vigilantes, and increased allowances for security operatives in troubled areas,” he explained.
He decried the dastardly activities of informants, vowing, “we will look into the possibility of amending the existing law to pass them death sentence or life imprisonment on conviction.”
Idris also urged the public not to politicize the issue of security and refrain from making unguarded comments on social media.
The Governor also extolled the invaluable support of the Emir of Zuru, other traditional and religious leaders to the government at all levels.
The Emir of Zuru,Major General Sani Sami(rtd), Gomo the 2nd ,also expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for the condolence visit and commended his ongoing efforts to combat insecurity within the Emirate.
Meanwhile,Idris has disclosed that his administration would fashion out a law to expedite the trial of bandits’ informants which could lead to death sentence or life imprisonment.