Insecurity: North Central Governors Want Establishment Of Military Camps

The North Central States Governors’ Forum on Monday called for
the establishment of military camps or training grounds in forests
in the region to check the movement of hoodlums.

The forum disclosed this in a communiquè read by its
chairperson, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, shortly after
their regional meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

Newsmen report that the North Central governors met to discuss
the security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure and other issues
affecting the region.

The forum noted that the zone was going through trying times
occasioned by kidnappings, cattle rustling, banditry, low
agriculture production, infrastructure deficit and low internally
generated revenue.

Mr Bello said the forum had resolved that there was need for the
establishment of military camps or training grounds in forest zones
within the region to block movement of hoodlums.

He said the military units should be Infantry-heavy with
adequate support weapons and elements of armoured unit.

He said the forum also agreed to share intelligence amongst
member states and create a multi-layer intelligence gathering.

The forum further commended the efforts of security agencies in
tackling insecurity in the zone, urging them to do more through
collaboration with member states to track the proliferation of
light and small weapons.

“We jointly appeal to the Federal Government to support the Zone
in its ongoing digital technology projects and other security
preventive measures to fight all forms of criminality.

“Members states are to collaborate on the provision of security
equipment and joint operations,” he said.

In agriculture, the forum urged all member states to key into
the Federal Government’s Livestock Transformation Plan and adopt
modern ways of livestock farming through the promotion of ranching
and assist genuine livestock farmers.

They also urged member states to establish Livestock and
Commodity Border markets.

“States in the zone should concentrate on infrastructural
development such as roads and liaise with the Federal Government to
rehabilitate federal roads and allow states to manage using the
tolling system.

“Member states are to individually and collectively enact
enabling laws to enhance revenue generation as a response to the
dwindling FAAC allocation,’’ he said.

Mr Bello said the forum expressed concern on the upsurge of
COVID-19 pandemic and urged citizens to obey all established
protocols.

Governors in attendance at the meeting were AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Abubakar Bello, Niger, Yahaya Bello of Kogi,
and Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

Gov Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State was represented by his
deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, while the Secretary to the State Government
(SSG) Plateau, Danladi Atu, stood in for Governor Simon Lalong.

The North Central States Governors’ Forum on Monday called for
the establishment of military camps or training grounds in forests
in the region to check the movement of hoodlums.

The forum disclosed this in a communiquè read by its
chairperson, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, shortly after
their regional meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

Newsmen report that the North Central governors met to discuss
the security, economy, agriculture, infrastructure and other issues
affecting the region.

The forum noted that the zone was going through trying times
occasioned by kidnappings, cattle rustling, banditry, low
agriculture production, infrastructure deficit and low internally
generated revenue.

Mr Bello said the forum had resolved that there was need for the
establishment of military camps or training grounds in forest zones
within the region to block movement of hoodlums.

He said the military units should be Infantry-heavy with
adequate support weapons and elements of armoured unit.

He said the forum also agreed to share intelligence amongst
member states and create a multi-layer intelligence gathering.

The forum further commended the efforts of security agencies in
tackling insecurity in the zone, urging them to do more through
collaboration with member states to track the proliferation of
light and small weapons.

“We jointly appeal to the Federal Government to support the Zone
in its ongoing digital technology projects and other security
preventive measures to fight all forms of criminality.

“Members states are to collaborate on the provision of security
equipment and joint operations,” he said.

In agriculture, the forum urged all member states to key into
the Federal Government’s Livestock Transformation Plan and adopt
modern ways of livestock farming through the promotion of ranching
and assist genuine livestock farmers.

They also urged member states to establish Livestock and
Commodity Border markets.

“States in the zone should concentrate on infrastructural
development such as roads and liaise with the Federal Government to
rehabilitate federal roads and allow states to manage using the
tolling system.

“Member states are to individually and collectively enact
enabling laws to enhance revenue generation as a response to the
dwindling FAAC allocation,’’ he said.

Mr Bello said the forum expressed concern on the upsurge of
COVID-19 pandemic and urged citizens to obey all established
protocols.

Governors in attendance at the meeting were AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Abubakar Bello, Niger, Yahaya Bello of Kogi,
and Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

Gov Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State was represented by his
deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, while the Secretary to the State Government
(SSG) Plateau, Danladi Atu, stood in for Governor Simon Lalong.