The Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha in Nasarawa State, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, has urged the federal and state governments to adopt new strategies in tackling banditry and other crimes in the country.
Alhaji Abdullahi, a first class traditional ruler, while speaking with newsmen in his palace on Saturday, said if decisive strategies were deployed, that would go a long way in ensuring peace and speedy development of the country.
He said the call for government at all levels to adopt new strategies in tackling banditry has become imperative considering the increasing acts of bandits which have claimed innocent lives and property.
“Though I still have to express my appreciation to Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his efforts in tackling insecurity in this area and the state at large, he still needs to do more to put an end to the menace,” he said.
He added, “He has really shown concern about what is happening here and you can see we have military men around and we even have mobile police around to help us maintain peace in this area.”
According to him, bandits that attacked Nasarawa communities were taking refuge in the forests on the boundaries of Nasarawa and Kogi states, adding that they were in large numbers.
“In fact, there was a time the military men pushed them out but after the operation, they came back in large numbers and regrouped again,” he added.
The traditional ruler also urged his subjects and other Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the government’s directive and other preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic in order to remain safe.