By: John Bassey.
Arrangements have been completed to establish an Army operational base in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State, according to Gov. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.
The Govenror disclosed this on Tuesday when he paid condolence visits to Tadurga village in 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.
Dr. Nasir 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.
Dr. 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.
The Govenror 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.
Dr. Nasir 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 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.
Governor 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 Chief of Danko Chiefdom, Alhaji Ibrahim Al’aji, and the Chief of Dabai Chiefdom, Alhaji Suleiman Sami, in their separate remarks, appreciated the Governor for his visit and the measures taken to address insecurity in the area.
The traditional rulers emphasized that security remained a collective responsibility and called for more robust measures, including increased security presence to guard the gateway from neighbouring states through which bandits infiltrate into Kebbi to carry out their criminal activities.
The Emir of Zuru, rtd Major General Sani Sami, 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.
The Emir of Zuru was present at Tadurga town during the visit of Governor Nasir Idris.