By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
Security is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Traditional Rulers in Niger State, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has asserted.
The Etsu Nupe made this assertion at his Wadata Palace in Bida when he received the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi-Elleman, during a courtesy visit.
According to him, the task of securing the lives and property of Nigerians should not be left to security agencies and the government alone.
“All citizens, including myself, owe it a duty to assist the various security agencies in ensuring that they function effectively and diligently.
“This is with a view to ensuring that Nigerians can go to bed with both eyes closed,” said the first-class traditional ruler.
The Etsu Nupe promised the continued support of the state’s traditional institution to the police and other sister security agencies.
Abubakar noted that security agencies need the sustained support and goodwill of Nigerians to carry out the onerous task of protecting lives and property.
The royal father commended the efforts of the state police command for “doing so much with so little.”
The Etsu Nupe underscored the urgent need for stakeholders to unite, pool resources, and re-strategize on how best to confront the growing threats of banditry, kidnapping, and other security concerns in society.
He noted that security is a shared responsibility that demands the active involvement of traditional institutions and the citizenry alike.
“Due to the increasing security issues faced, there is a need to look inward, come together, contribute resources, and re-strategize on how to tackle the security challenges facing the state,” the traditional ruler emphasized.
Abubakar further assured the Commissioner of Police of the emirate’s full support and cooperation, particularly in areas of intelligence gathering, information sharing, and vigilant observation to help prevent unforeseen incidents.
He lauded security agencies for doing their best in the face of acute shortages in manpower, logistics, and equipment.
“There are lots of challenges and shortcomings. However, Almighty Allah who put you there will continue to give you the wisdom to police the state.
“We, on our part, will continue to support you, pray for you, and give the contributions needed to effectively fight crime and criminality.
“I assure you that this level of support will be sustained, as without peace and security, the nation cannot develop,” he said.
Earlier, Abdullahi-Elleman urged the people of the state to continue providing useful information to the police to sustain the fight against crime and criminality.
He appealed to the Emir for prayers, both for himself and the state, in light of the ongoing security challenges, while assuring the emirate and the wider state of his unwavering commitment to service.
Abdullahi-Elleman commended the Etsu Nupe for the relative peace being enjoyed in his domain, saying, “The emirate is the most peaceful in the state.”
The Commissioner assured that the police would not undermine the role of traditional institutions in complementing the efforts of security operatives.