Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has explained the reason behind the peaceful nature of Bauchi State in spite of attacks by insurgents in other States of the North-East, declaring that it was due to the cooperation and support of the residents as well as the collaboration of all the security agencies working in the State.
Yusuf Buratai disclosed this on Wednesday, shortly after he flagged-off the construction of a 600 metre access road at the headquarters of the 33 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bauchi, as well as the inspection of the construction of a four blocks of accommodation for soldiers at the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, (NAAC), Bauchi.
The COAS also commended the people of the state and the security agencies for the peace enjoyed in Bauchi state, which he said is a huge departure from the current experience of other states in the North-East which are still under pockets of attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents.
While speaking with Journalists at the Command Guest House, Bauchi, the COAS, who was in the company of the GOC, 3 Division, Jos, Major General Benjamin Ahanotu and other principal officers of the Nigerian Army headquarters, noted, “It is interesting that there has been cordial relationship between the members of the public and the Nigerian Army here in Bauchi State”.
He added that, “You can see that for a long time there has been a very peaceful co-existence and they are doing their job and the security situation in Bauchi has greatly improved through the collaborative efforts of all the security agencies – the Police, the DSS, and NSCDC, and most importantly the public are cooperating with us”
Yusuf Buratai also said that he was in Bauchi on routine and administrative visit to see the troops and the infrastructural developments that are currently going on within the barracks in the state.
The Army Boss who was conducted round the four blocks during the inspection tour by the Commander, NAAC, Bauchi, Major General J. A. Akomolafe, acknowledged that there is “serious housing deficit in the barracks across the nation” and promised to address the problem
Speaking shortly after the inspection tour, the COAS said he was impressed with the on-going work and promised to build more of such types of blocks of houses to accommodate officers and men in the barracks
He added, “There are plans for more. Apart from the buildings, I have been briefed by the two Commanders- the 33 Artillery Commander and the Corps Commander, Army, on the developments that are going on in terms of maintenance, they have brought to life many of their vehicles and in terms of the welfare of their troops and I want them to keep it up”
Speaking earlier, J A Akomolafe, explained that the capacity in each of the four blocks under construction is 10 apartments saying, “No amount of words can express our gratitude to you. We cherish your courage, your vision and your character”.
He added “You are God-sent to the Armoured School. This is not to praise-sing you, Sir. There is no reward for intention sir and so every opportunity we have to show our appreciation, we will definitely do that. You are welcome to Bauchi”
While speaking earlier, the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade Brigadier-General. Timothy Olowomeye, said the 600 metres road would extend into the Brigade Headquarters and the Garrison headquarters in the 33 Artillery.
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