Gov Sani Orders Security Summit, Citizens’ Engagement

Kaduna state governor, Sen. Uba Sani has directed heads of security agencies to organise an all – inclusive security summit with a view to promoting community engagement and creation of public enlightenment on public safety and security.

Sani stated this during his maiden state security council meeting with heads of the relevant security agencies comprising Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps held in government house.

In a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, after the meeting said it was convened to get up-to-date overview of the security situation in the state for the purpose of addressing some perceived security challenges arising from banditry activities, kidnapping and communal dispute relating “to lands and farms in Zangon Kataf local government area.”

The statement said the meeting was to also address recurring cases of phone snatching along Kawo Bridge axis, gang fight (Sara Suka), the looming threat of fuel shortages due to subsidy removal on premium motor spirit and the prolonged power outage in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Lawal said the governor expressed concern and reiterated the fact that safety and security is a major plank of his administration’s seven-point agenda as he pledged his commitment to providing logistics support to security agencies in order to enable them carry out their duties effectively.

The statement added that the heads of security agencies assured the governor of their total commitment to the restoration of peace in troubled areas, particularly the eight frontline local government areas and beyond, while sustaining deployments across the state, noting that “they informed the governor of the robust synergy that exists among the security agencies in the areas of intelligence gathering and operations.”

“The security council meeting resolved as follows: To use the mandate ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to intensify citizens’ engagement so as to sensitize the public on the fuel subsidy removal.

“Government to engage the labour unions like NLC, TUC, PENGASSAN, IPMAN and tanker drivers on the fuel subsidy removal.

“The state government to mediate and bring about amicable resolution of the lingering power issue between Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and KEDCO to ensure peaceful and conducive learning environment.”

Sani however urged security agencies to intensify efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State.