Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi state, has emphasized the urgency for the northern region to confront the current security challenges it faces.

Mohammed, who is one of the northeastern governors where the trend of insecurity (Boko Haram) has grossly dealt a big blow on its citizens, spoke in Sokoto at the graduation of 2,596 SSCGC trainees on Saturday.

He also said he feels ashamed of being called a northerner as a result of the rising insecurity being perpetrated by its citizens.

However, Governor Aliyu Sokoto who reviewed the parade performed by the Corps at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, vowed to commit everything possible to end security challenges in the state as he provided 30 Hilux patrol vehicles and 800 motorcycles to support the operations of the guards against banditry and kidnappings in communities across 13 LGs in eastern Sokoto most affected by the menace.

He pointed out that the issue of security was a fundamental and critical aspect of his government’s 9-point smart agenda, stressing that the initiative was informed by the serial concerns and security challenges being witnessed across the state as a result of banditry and kidnapping activities.

Sokoto said: “The situation became so alarming and threatening with massive loss of lives and displacement of people from their homes.

“This took us to the level where we are today. The guards will complement the strategic role of conventional forces by driving effective and efficient community policing through information gathering.

“We have provided 30 brand new Hilux vehicles and 800 motorcycles to support their operation to restore peace, especially in more affected areas.”

He noted that the conventional security forces were overstretched by security challenges stressing that all hands must be on deck to tackle the trend in the region collectively.

Besides, Governor Mohammed said the north must not ignore coming to terms with the reality of time to address the security challenges affecting the region.

The governor who also wears the title of ‘ Kauran Bauchi’ expressed concerns over the discouraging twist of events against the north he said: “The north used to be a gateway for business, commerce, and economic activities but today dramatically turned gateway to insecurity occasioned by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

“We must do something urgently to reverse the situation in the spirit of collective commitment to the course.

“I am and feel ashamed being called a northerner. We are becoming a liability to ourselves”, he said while disclosing that northern governors had resolved and taken steps to tackle the challenges of insecurity to the last through responsive peer review mechanism for the safety and security of lives and property in the region.

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar said the spate of threats caused to citizens, especially in the north was alarming.

He acknowledged the giant steps being taken by governors in the region towards bringing an end to the menace while advocating the establishment of a Trust Fund to maintain quasi-security forces across all levels to sustain their operations.

The revered royal father urged the guards to be fearless and remain committed adding, “God will surely protect and see you through the hurdles.”

The religious monarch also cautioned against allowing the newly recruited guards to go the other way pointing out that they should be guided to do the right thing.

He said: “It is a duty on them to do the right thing. God has placed that responsibility on you people and avoid anything capable of influencing your responsibility while discharging your duty”, he stressed.

Also, former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Senate Committee Chairman on Local and Foreign Debts noted that security was a pillar in attaining development.

He decried how insecurity had brought the society down on its knees adding that it has affected the economy and well-being of the society.

He urged the guards to exhibit the spirit of dedication and patriotism while discharging their assignment.

Wamakko said: “Doing so will bring peace and stability to the state and the country. Together we shall work for the safety and development of our people by supporting the government of the state to deliver the dividends of democracy to all.”

Trainer of the Corps, Major General Junaidu Sani Bindawa (rtd) explained that the 2,596 graduands went through intensive physical exercises on general community policing, ambush and control, weapon handling, and acts of securing their respective communities.

Bindawa added: “They are strictly trained to maintain peace and not harass anyone. I am also ready to go to the field to lead the operation”, he dispassionately declared while emphasising the need for responsive technology-driven joint operations against insurgency and other crimes rocking the peace and lives and property of innocent citizens.

“The security initiatives by Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states were a symbol of visionary leadership being exhibited by the three governors to secure not only their states but north and the nation”, the retired army General said. (The Nation)

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