NUJ worries over rising crime rate in Jos

From Teryima Ajijah, Jos

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council has observed with displeasure, the increase in criminal activities within Jos, the Plateau State capital, following reported incidents of snatching of personal effects from individuals, particularly handsets (phones) from citizens.

The NUJ which rose from its monthly Congress recently, called on authorities responsible to curtail the ugly trend.

Journalists who made observations on the crime wave in Jos, during the Congress expressed fears that the increasing cases of domestic theft; including indoor car theft could degenerate.

NUJ Council in the state, through a communiqué issued by its secretary, Mr Peter Amine, at the end of the Congress called on government to do the needful to safeguard property of citizens.

The communiqué reads in part: “Congress commended the Plateau state government for taking steps to safeguard all boarding schools in the state and urged local government chairmen to do same in their various local government areas.

“Congress called on the state government to ensure that all boarding schools in the state are fenced.

“With the rise of petty crimes in some areas in the state, especially, Kabong, Rukuba road, Tudun Wada, Angwan Rukuba, Bauchi road, Rikkos, the NUJ Congress called on security outfits in the state to curb the rising cases of such criminal acts.

“Congress called on security agencies and relevant government agencies to enforce the existing ban on the operations of commercial motorcyclists and the regulation of tricycle operations within Jos and Bukuru metropolis. As the resurgence of the activities of commercial motorcyclists constitute security threat to the state.

“Congress called on the state government to ensure regular water supply to all parts of the state as the scarcity of the essential commodity is pushing people into untold hardship.

“Congress  also urged government to ensure timely supply of fertilizer and other farm inputs to farmers in the state as the rains approach. Congress also called on government to revive the grain reserve system in order to reduce the high rate of food scarcity and inflation.

“Congress also commended government for ensuring a peaceful selection process of the Long Kwo after 33 years that the stool has been vacant.”