The Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, has called for the deployment of additional personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to the state. Specifically, Governor Yahaya emphasized the need for more personnel from the Agro Rangers Unit and general duty operatives to enhance security in schools and ensure the overall safety of lives and property in Gombe State.
During a meeting with the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, and other top officials at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja, Governor Yahaya highlighted the border the state shares with five other states, most of which have experienced crises. This has resulted in an increased population in Gombe State and frequent clashes between farmers and herders, particularly during massive migrations by the latter.
The Governor expressed his hope that the deployment of Agro Rangers personnel, who have been specifically trained to address complex issues related to farmers and herders conflicts, would prevent such incidents as the rainy season comes to an end in October. He stressed the urgency for additional deployment of Agro Rangers personnel to mitigate clashes and mediate conflicts during the movement of cattle rearers, which typically occurs during this period.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that achieving security of lives and property would also yield food security. He lamented the high number of out-of-school children, attributing it to the closure of almost all boarding schools for girls in the state, with only one remaining operational. The Governor, recognizing the NSCDC as a significant stakeholder in security matters, requested the assistance of the Corps in creating a safe and secure environment for learning.
Additionally, as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya pledged to give the Commandant General an opportunity to address the Governors on security issues during their meetings.
Responding to the Governor’s request, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, assured him of the agency’s cooperation and collaboration. He stated that the request for additional personnel would be addressed once the ongoing quarterly training of Agro Rangers personnel is completed. Dr. Audi highlighted the achievements of the Agro Rangers Unit, resolving over 1,000 cases nationwide, and emphasized their role in providing security for farmers and agro-allied investments.
Regarding the protection of schools, Dr. Audi explained that as a leading agency in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, the Civil Defence administration would respond to the protection of schools in Gombe State under the Safe Schools Project, which is housed by the Corps.
The Gombe State Governor’s call for the deployment of more NSCDC personnel underscores the importance of enhancing security and creating a conducive environment for learning in the state.
