When other states in the north ravaged by insurgency and banditry are crying foul, it is a different stroke in Kano state despite its huge population. BASHIR MOHAMMED writes on efforts by the state government so far in that regard.
At the time he assumed the mantle of leadership as the duly elected governor of Kano state in the year 2015, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had almost found himself in the fog of containing the remnants of the much- dreaded Boko Haram insurgents by putting security agencies on their toes. This, according to investigation is with the aim of nipping the insurgency war of attrition in the bud.
He, no doubt, had undoubtedly come on board with the mission to serve humanity with diligence, commitment and sheer selflessness. With the issue of security receiving the good attention of his government, even the doubting Thomases have come to the realization that Ganduje means well for the state. This is informed by the fact that with the spectre of criminal banditry that once permeated the country and state, the issue of achieving the goals of socio-economic development would become a mirage if nothing is done.
Part of the strategies
Therefore, taking the bull by the horns in proving to even the doubting Thomases that he was equal to the task and also possessed the courage and temerity to face the challenge squarely, Governor Ganduje saw the compelling need for creating a sustainable synergy among all security agencies operating in the state. Again, this is in consideration of the indisputable fact that without forging a common front, the effort of maintaining a lasting peace would only remain at the level of mere rhetoric.
With the bandwagon effect of the insurgency taking a catastrophic toll in Kano and other neighbouring states, the amiable governor mobilised huge resources for notable security agencies to receive considerable face-lift as far as logistical support is concerned. To that extent, the approved fund for the provision of patrol vehicles to the state command of the Nigeria Police Force and notable sister security agencies towards the gruelling task of maintaining peace, tranquility and stability in all parts of the state.
Since then, various forms of onslaught against all forms of criminalities and Boko Haram insurgency are not a common occurrence in the state as it had been curtailed to the satisfaction of everyone. Because of this, Kano state has been in the wave of regaining its lost glory of being widely acknowledged as a bastion of peace, an age-long reputation that was battered by the disturbing spate of insurgent attacks which wreaked unprecedented havoc on the reputation and economy of the state.
It could be recalled that with the sudden emergence of criminal acts like banditry cattle rustling, kidnapping and others, most especially in the thick Falgore forest, Governer Ganduje out of his master-stroke, mooted the idea of establishing a military training camp in the forest for his much-vaunted containment policy to succeed. This idea was welcomed by the top military brass knowing that with the heavy military presence in the forest, the nagging spate of kidnapping, cattle-rustling and armed robbery would be curtailed from that end since that used to be their launching pad.
Governor Ganduje was highly applauded and praised to high heavens by those who viewed his foresight of establishing the military training camp in the dreaded forest as a good riddance to bad rubbish. Also the deployment of heavily armed security personnel to assist the military in combating the menace is seen by many as a clear demonstration of his resolve to keep a constant tab on the terrorists’ dastardly acts.
Residents comment on gov’t effort
In the words of a resident of Falgore town, Malam Shehu Nakande, Governor Ganduje has proven his mettle as an astute administrator par excellence, who knows what it takes to engender peace devoid of any primordial considerations, adding that using the lean resources in the state to assist security agencies is what every government at all levels need to do in order to eradicate the scourge.
According to him, confronting high profile criminals entails the resilience of a committed and dogged governor in the saddle of leadership, and one who knows his onion very well. He stressed that without such an effort, scores of people would have been killed, maimed and wickedly turn into internally displaced persons in the state by those who take solace in spilling the blood of innocent people.
According to him, “What we are witnessing today is to all of us, I mean we that are domiciling within the vicinity of Falgore Forest, a remarkable water-shed considering the good initiative conceived by Governor Ganduje to put hope on our faces. He deserves kudos for mooting the idea of establishing the military training camp. We would forever remain appreciative of this laudable effort.
“Setting a military camp requires the commitment of huge resources both financially and otherwise. We must commend our governor for empowering the security personnel to beam their searchlights anywhere acts of criminal banditries are being perpetrated.
Speaking in the same vein, a resident of Tudun-Wada town in Kano, Alhaji Abubakar Sadauki, said humanity would never exist without peace. He noted that Governor Ganduje has lighted his candles in both ends by supporting security agencies to wax stronger and be able to confront the challenges bestowed on their shoulders with exceptional show of strength.
He pointed out that paying lip-service to the issue of security by leaders in the saddle of power is detrimental to the survival of peace-loving citizens in a democratic age. He affirmed further that there is no state in the country that can ever attain the height of greatness in the economic sphere under an insecure environment. According to him, no governor had matched the stunning scorecards of Governor Ganduje in that regard.
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