Buni urges civilian-military synergy, reopens Babbangida market
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni yesterday called for stronger, more cordial relationship between the military and other security agencies as well as the people of the state to achieve improved security in the state.
He spoke in Babbangida town of Tarmuwa Local Government Area where he held a town hall meeting with the people.
He announced the reopening of the Babbangida Market which was closed down following an attack on the town by Boko Haram insurgents two weeks ago.
The governor had earlier reopened Gaidam International Market which was similarly closed down due to the Boko Haram crisis over 10 months ago.
According to him, while it is true that in certain security situations, unusual measures are necessary the closing down of markets where people in the community earn their livelihood does not necessarily lead to any improvement in security.
“People’s livelihoods depend on the markets - on buying and selling. In countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Syria where wars and instability was the order of the day, people still go to the markets to buy and sell. Markets don’t get closed down because of attacks”, he said.
He said he had made commitments to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other senior security officials that the people would partner and support the security agents to ensure security, and that they would remain vigilant at all times. He said this way why the government and the military ensured the reopening of the Babbangida market and the filling stations which were also closed down.
He urged the people to cooperate with the security agents in the area and promptly report any unknown or suspicious persons to the enforcement agents.
“It is only through synergy and cooperation between the security agents and the people that we can achieve peace and security that can endure. These security agents work on our behalf and risk their lives for us. They stay awake so that we can sleep peacefully. We need to appreciate their services and work with them harmoniously to ensure improved security”, he said.
He also spoke on the effort of his administration to open up the state and provide jobs, saying the government was working to package the resource endowments and investment opportunities in the state to attract potential investors. law