Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has called on residents to remain calm amid rising security challenges in the state.
Sule acknowledged the infiltration of “bad elements” causing havoc in some parts of the state, even as he vowed to flush them out.
Recall that gunmen last Friday attacked the Sarkin Noma community in Keana local government area of the state, killing two persons and abducting one other.
The development led to the blockage of the ever-busy Lafia-Makurdi expressway in protest.
However, Governor Sule, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr Peter Ahemba, assured that the current situation would be brought under control.
Mr Ahemba conveyed his principal’s position in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Lafia.
“The Nasarawa State Government is aware of the gradual infiltration of harmful elements, thereby constituting security threats to the residents of our peace-loving state.
“We wish to stress that the state government will not watch those enemies of peace succeed in their evil acts against the peace-loving citizens, as no effort would be spared to sustain the hard-earned relative peace achieved by the Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule-led government over the years,” the statement said.
The statement condemned the recent attack on residents of the Sarkin Noma community and other similar incidents in the area.
“The government has since directed security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.
Furthermore, residents are assured that the state Government is working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to implement the latest security measures taken to address the situation.
“We, therefore, call on citizens to assist security agencies with valuable information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in all parts of the state.
“The public should be assured that everything possible is being done to ensure the safety and security of the lives and property of citizens.
“We also appeal to residents to report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities and to cooperate fully with security agencies to prevent and combat crime. The government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens and will not tolerate any form of violence in the state.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nasarawa State remains a safe and secure place for all,” the statement reads.
