Katsina To Get Additional Military Battalion

By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina

Katsina State will have an additional military battalion at the Southern part of the state bringing the number to three after that of Katsina and Daura.

The State Acting Governor, Honourable Faruq Lawal Jobe disclosed this when he received the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede on a courtesy call in his office at General Muhammadu Buhari (Government), House, Katsina.

Honourable Lawal Jobe said already an agreement on the establishment of the proposed battalion has been reached.

Honourable Jobe appreciated the Army Chief for a plan to send more troops to Katsina State to argument those on the ground.

Honourable Faruk Lawal Jobe regretted that failure of people to report the movement of criminals on time for prompt action, blamed others for conspiring with the bandits in reporting the movement of the military on rescue operations.

This he said, contributed to the escalation of the crisis particularly at the current rainy season when bandits take the advantage of grown farm produce as their hide outs.

Acting Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe who appreciated the military personnel for their general cooperation and timely response to calls, promised the readiness of the State Government to provide whatever support to secure the state.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede said he was in Katsina State primarily to commensurate with Government and people of the state over the recent loss of innocent lives as a result of banditry attacks saying that the loss was a collective loss.

Lieutenant General Oluyede promised that, Military Authorities would do more in ensuring that, Katsina state and the entire country safer.

While promising to send more troops to the state, the Chief of Army staff thanked the Government and people of the state for their support to the military operating in the state.

In related development, a concerned citizen in Matazu Local Government Area, Malam Sabitu Garba Ringin Idi has urged people in Katsina state to intensify prayers to seek for God intervention towards the problem of insecurity facing the “Area, the state and the country.”

Malam Garba Ringin Idi made the urged while speaking to the New Nigerian in a telephone interview.

Malam Garba Ringin Idi noted that, criminal elements usually storm the area unexpectedly without notice, kidnapping, killing and destroying the people’s property.

Malam Ringin Idi called on people to continue praying for peace and stability to return in the area, the state and the country, describing the situation as worrisome.

Malam Sabitu Garba Ringin Idri reiterated the need for Governments at all levels to provide a comprehensive security support that would protect lives and property of people in the state from growing attacks in Local communities.

He emphasised that, farmers, traders and families in various communities always live in constant fear and called on security operatives to redouble effort towards fighting banditry in the state.