Jalingo residents want youth gangs outlawed
Residents of Jalingo metropolis have appealed to Taraba House of Assembly to enact a law which will outlaw youth gangs now terrorizing the state capital.
A cross section of the residents while reacting to incessant gang fights leading to killings of many youths and destruction of property in the state capital said the only solution was to outlaw all youth’s gangs.
A community leader, Alhaji Samaila Jalingo told North- East Trust that the earlier these gangs were outlawed the better for the peace of Jalingo metropolis.
He said politicians were cashing on unemployment rate among youths to recruit them for their selfish interests adding that there were more than 100 youth gangs in almost all the wards in the state capital.
The community leader expressed dismay over the activities of gangs in the town pointing out the gangs has become terror groups terrorizing innocent people.
He alleged that more than 15 youths were killed in gangs fight in the last few months in Jalingo inaddition to incidences of rape, stealing and other vices.
Alhaji Samaila Jalingo, blamed politicians for recruiting unemployed youths as thugs and move with them freely in their political outings.
“It is very common to see politicians from almost all the political parties moving with armed youths during political gathering and the security agents will never take action against such negative action” he said.
Another Maimuna resident, Bello said Hajiya parents must take urgent steps to discourage their children and wards in becoming members of gangs.
Hajiya Maimuna blamed politicians for recruiting the children of the common man as thugs.
“You will never see the children of the so called high class politicians as thugs or among the youths gangs. Their children and wards are either in Abuja or abroad studying or working,’’ she said.
The chairman Traders Association of Jalingo Main Market, Alhaji Gamamdi Abbare recalled an attempt by some youth gangs to burn down the market on Saturday and Sunday.
Alhaji Gammandi said the activities of the youths was posing serious security threat to residents of Jalingo and the traders in particular.
He said whenever there was a fight between rival youths gangs the target was the markets and other business premises.
The chairman called on the security agents to take urgent action to disband all such gangs to ensure peace in Jalingo.
The police public relation officer Taraba police command, ASP David Misal, said the activities of the gangs were posing serious security threat to the town.
He said several of the gang members were arrested at different locations in Jalingo with dangerous weapons and have been charged to court.
ASP Misal, stated further that the state police commissioner had warned politicians against recruiting youths as thugs adding the command would arrest and prosecute any politician found using thugs.