As part of the proactive measures to tackle challenges of insecurity, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has convened an expanded security council meeting to deliberate and take appropriate steps in the wake of a terror alert recently issued by the United States and the United Kingdom.
The expanded security meeting, which had in attendance members of the state security council, selected local government chairmen and traditional rulers, was held at the Government House, Lafia.
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Governor Sule expressed worry about the resurgence of communal and farmer/herder clashes across parts of the state.
He explained that the meeting aimed to take drastic steps in the wake of the terror alerts, particularly since Nasarawa State shared the same border with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where it was alleged that terrorists may launch attacks on public places like government buildings, markets and praying grounds.
He, however, affirmed that the meeting was also to brainstorm together to take appropriate measures to avert renewed communal and farmer/herder clashes in some parts of the state.
He said, “We are all aware that more countries are joining the US and UK to warn their citizens on the security alert about possible attacks in Abuja, especially government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets and the rest of that.
“Whatever affects Abuja, definitely affects us. So, we can’t wait until something happens. We said we wanted to be proactive, we could not wait until situations happen before we take any action.”
Governor Sule further explained that one of the ultimate reasons for convening the meeting was for the security operatives in the state to be proactive, be alert and plan ahead against all these alerts.
“It is better for us to be prepared and nothing happens than for us to be unprepared and something happens,” he stated.
“In addition to the fact that more communal clashes also continue to happen, especially the recent one between Idiagba and Aba communities in the Mararaba Udege area, it is very important that we see this, especially because of the elections that are coming and some people will use the opportunity of politics to capitalise on it and escalate some of these problems.
“For whatever reason, there are renewed farmers/herders conflicts. Unfortunately, we thought we have taken care of this once and for all but they continue to happen now more and more. Especially in Kokona, Keana, Doma and Nasarawa local government areas. And they are becoming more and more pronounced. And we have to put heads together and that’s the main reason why I invited the chairmen of the local government to come,” he stated.
