Yuletide: Governor Buni Orders Tight Security In Yobe

Yobe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has ordered tight security during the Christmas and New Year festivities to ensure the protection of people of the state and their property.

Accordingly, the police and other security agencies are to remain vigilant by scaling up their operations during the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year holidays.

Governor Buni, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, disclosed this during the 15th State Security Coordination Committee meeting held at the Government House in Damaturu.

While addressing the stakeholders of security, Gubana stated, “The prevailing restored peace in the state should not breed complacency in protecting life and property during Christmas and New Year festivities across the state, including the border communities with the Niger Republic.

He also urged the security agencies to effectively collaborate in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities, stating that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring public safety in the state.

He called on the commissioner of police, Emmanuel Ado, to ensure that all the divisional police officers (DPOs) and area commanders enforce the highest level of security alerts in their respective jurisdictions.

The police commissioner reiterated that Buni’s directives on ensuring hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations will be complied with to secure people’s lives and property.

He said he has assured residents and visitors of a peaceful and well-protected environment throughout the celebrations.

The Command has intensified deployments across the state to ensure a safe Christmas and New Year celebration. He added that although some strategies cannot be disclosed, the increased visibility of security personnel has been crucial to the peace enjoyed this year.

Speaking to one of the Christian businessmen in Damaturu, who prefers not to have his name printed, he has urged Christians to remain security-conscious as they celebrate the Christmas season, stressing the need for vigilance against emerging security concerns.

He also reminded worshippers that Christmas should be celebrated joyfully but responsibly, with deliberate efforts to safeguard communities and report suspicious activities promptly.

He added, “I want to use this opportunity to inform you that Yobe State is now safe for both Christians and Muslims, and we are living peacefully with each other as friends and family. Our governor is doing his best to protect the lives of everyone in the state, dispatching the religious, ethnic and political affliction,” he said.

He appeals for an increase in security measures to protect churches and church leaders in the wake of the kidnapping of pastors across the country.

Also speaking, the member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yohanna Moses, called on the state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, and security agencies to protect the lives of Christians during and after the festival.

“Christian teaching strongly urges believers to pray for the protection of lives, emphasising that God is a refuge and source of strength in times of trouble.

“Scripture encourages believers to pray without ceasing and to cast their anxieties on God, trusting in His protective presence against physical, emotional, and spiritual harm”, he said.

Our correspondent reports that security measures have been heightened across Yobe state as the police command steps up preparations for the festival season.