WEEKLY Katsina govt tasks community leaders on security

The Katsina State Government has charged local government and community heads to find a lasting solution to the lingering security challenges in the hinterlands.

The state government, through the office of the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, said during a two-day security awareness workshop for district heads and heads of local government administrations that security had become everybody’s responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Aminu Bello Masari charged the participants to deliberate on how the state got to its present situation and chart a way out.

Gov. Masari said, “We are facing serious security challenges and we must find means to get out of it. The challenges are taking different forms and shapes. In 2015 it was rustling in which the rustlers killed victims or got killed. Today, human beings are being kidnapped. So if we don’t tackle it now, no one knows what it will change to tomorrow.”

The governor lamented that the number of military personnel was not enough to cater for the security needs, hence the need for everyone to play their part in the security architecture.

He explained that, “Community participation is key to finding solutions to our security challenges because it is within the community that you get vital information.”

He also called on the security agents to discharge their duties with utmost commitment and sense of responsibility.

he said, “You must work hard to restore the faith and confidence of the people to believe that they can trust you to work together with you.”

The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, said three issues needed to be properly addressed for a lasting solution to the bedevilling insecurity.

Alhaji Usman said, “First is the issue of justice and punishment for wrong doers, whoever they are; secondly, it is the issue of trafficking of drugs; then lastly, consumption of illicit drugs.”