Fighting insecurity: Gombe enlists vigilantes, local hunters support

Worried by the spate of insecurity in parts of Gombe state in recent times, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has enlisted the support of the various Vigilante Groups and local hunters associations to assist the conventional security agencies in maintaining law and order across the state.

The Governor sought for the support and collaboration of the groups during a meeting with the leaders of the Vigilante groups and Local hunters in Gombe, in complementing the efforts of the security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements and activities.

It may be recalled that the Governor had recently convened a Security Council meeting which was attended by the Commissioner of Police,  Commander, 301 Artillery Brigade,  Director, State Security Service,  State Controllers of Customs,  Immigration and Prison Services as well as the Commandants of the Nigerian Security and Civil  Defence and Federal Road Safety Corps’ where they reviewed the security situation and the strategy with a view to improving.

Inuwa Yahaya noted with concerns that the state is now experiencing some security challenges, including thefts and kidnappings and therefore stressed the need for a robust community policing strategy that will stem the tide, especially with Gombe state being at the centre of the North East, witnessing high influx of people as a result of insurgency in some neighbouring states.

While urging  the people of the state to cooperate with the Vigilante groups in carrying  out the task of  complementing the efforts of the conventional security agencies in safeguarding the lives and property of the citizenry, the Governor maintained that in doing so, they must be  guided by the laws and respect the superior directives of the constituted authority.

Leader of the Gombe State Chapter of Nigerian Hunters Association, Alhaji Danladi Sarkin Baka and the state Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria,  Abdullahi Dan’asabe assured the Governor of their readiness to offer their support, adding that they have greater knowledge of the local communities and the terrains to be able to assist in tackling security challenges as contained in a statement signed and issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity