By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has again advocated for more synergy and cooperation among the three tiers of government, traditional rulers and the various security agencies, with a view to combating the myriad of security challenges in the state and entire country.

While speaking in Zuru, at a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday over the prevailing security situation in the area, he said such collaboration and cooperation, including among the various vigilante groups, were the only panacea to sustainable peace and unity across Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.

The governor was quoted in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yahaya Sarki, as wondering how the security challenges, which were hitherto unheard of in the state, were now surreptitiously creeping into Kebbi.

“I can recall with nostalgia how people had lived serene and peaceful life in the most recent past, unlike now.

“People were then free to move, without any apprehension and had always slept with their two eyes closed.

“That beautiful and lovely life is what we want to restore now and we will leave no stone unturned, to restore normalcy in Kebbi State, as well as across Nigeria,” the governor was quoted to have said.

Bagudu acknowledged the relentless efforts of the security agents and their sacrifices, often losing their lives.

“These lofty and invaluable sacrifices should not be in vain, as such, all hands should be on deck to make Kebbi State and Nigeria more secure,” he added.

The governor also promised to assist all returnee farmers to restart their lives and farming activities.

He commiserated with the emir and the entire people of Zuru Emirate over the unfortunate banditry attack on Munhaye village.

Bagudu reiterated his call for tolerance amongst people of different tribes and religions as well as thanking the security agencies for committing to the protection of lives and properties of people.

Earlier, the emir of Zuru, retired Maj Gen Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, expressed appreciation to Governor Bagudu for the commiseration visit.

The emir acknowledged the invaluable gesture and concern of the governor for people of the emirate especially in their trying period of security challenge.

He described the attack on Munhaye village and other incidents in the area as unfortunate.

“We are all sad about the Munhaye village attack by bandits who killed our people and the two soldiers,” he lamented.

The emir assured the governor he would continue to meet with all stakeholders in order to achieve lasting peace in Zuru emirate.

He also gave assurance of his emirate’s resolve to continue to embrace all ethnic groups in Zuru Emirate.

“We will ensure that all tribes in Zuru no matter their religion live in peace with one another.

“We will work towards achieving lasting peace and work towards sustaining it to make sure no such thing happen again,” he assured.

He appealed for deployment of more soldiers to the troubled spots in the emirate.

In a short remark, Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District while commending the governor, told the gathering that he would join hands with him to ensure that peace is restored to the area.

“We will cooperate with the governor to ensure peace is restored and achieved,” he said.

The governor, Sen Na’Allah and others in the entourage had earlier proceeded to the 223 Light Tank Battalion, Zuru where he condoled with the Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel B. M. Abdullahi and the military community over the death of two soldiers who lost their lives in Munhaye village following attack by bandits.