From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed worry over the influx of bandits from the crisis areas of Mangar and Ambaka districts, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State into Wamba and Lafia LGAs of Nasarawa State.
Sule, who stated this during an expanded security meeting held on Monday to discuss certain new security risks that could disrupt the state’s relative quiet, also expressed concern over the illegal production of small arms and ammunition in the state.
He said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss some new security dangers that, if ignored, could destabilise the state’s relative peace.
“The security crisis recently around Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State while it’s still ongoing, it has led to a lot of migration of people with some of those bandits crossing into our state mostly from Mangu and Bokkos area.
“Another concern is mostly about the production of small arms and ammunition within the state. They have given us the list of all those producing these weapons here in Nasarawa State, and the number is alarming.
“Our traditional rulers are not even aware of what is happening. But I am happy with the intelligence report at our disposal. The security operatives have been able to communicate with some of these people,” Sule stated.
The governor also disclosed that the security meeting’s agenda included an assessment of the Fulani herders’ grazing movements in areas bordering the neighboring Benue State , which could pose a threat to security.
“Recently, there have been movement of herders especially Fulani herders.This may not pose a big security challenge because they are moving to grazing areas but unfortunately those areas are also problematic because they are at the border between Keana and Guma LGA in Benue State.
“It will be a recipe for problems down the line and around Tunga area which is our major concern,” he said.
He further called on those concerned to propose solutions to the new problems that are being faced in the places where commercial quantities of natural resources have been discovered, particularly in Nasarawa LGA, where mining activities are taking place.
Sule applauded the state’s security services for their work in the Akwanga and Kokona LGA, where they conducted operations that recently resulted in the capture of a notorious kidnapping gang.
The governor equally thanked the 177 Guards Bridgade Keffi, as well as the police for their efforts in curtailing the activities of the notorious cult group known as the” Yan Shara” group in Keffi LGA of the state.
He, however called for additional efforts by the security agencies to further prevent the cult group from relocating to parts of the state.
In a chat with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Baba Maiyaki, said “issues discussed mostly are; kidnapping, banditry, issues of mining sites, as well as movement of herders.
“The security meeting took a decision over these issues. We are able to reach fruitful resolutions aimed at bringing the situations under control. Security agencies have agreed to work together as a team.
“The issue of Yan Shara in Keffi was also discussed during the meeting. And we have resolved that we must collectively come together and checkmate the activities of Yan Shara in Keffi axis. HRH the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, has assured us of his cooperation to achieve success,” he said.
He, therefore reassured that security authorities were committed to addressing state-wide instability in order to promote peace and progress.
The Voice reports that the expanded security meeting was attended by security chiefs, selected local government chairmen and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders in the state.
