…plan military operation to dislodge criminals in forest
…to regulate transport operators in other to curb various crimes
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday proposed a joint security meeting for the week between Kwara and Niger States in a bid to curtail kidnapping, banditry and other crimes, as well as a military operation targeted at dislodging and clearing criminal elements in the forests between the two states and thus denying them safe harbour.
This was highlighted during a security council meeting held with commanders of various security agencies in the state amid assurance that Kwara will always take every step to protect lives and properties.
This was disclosed in a new development announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin, the state capital.
The meeting had the presence of the Governor, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, and other members of the council.
The council also discussed proposed regulations of specific transport operators in synergy with their umbrella bodies to curb crimes, as well as renewed efforts of the administration to reposition Operation Harmony to improve the mobility and joint operations among the security forces.
In a bid to tackle the farmers-herders crisis, the Governor briefed the council about the national strategies such as ranching and its funding under the National Livestock Transformation Programme, and the need for Nigerians to live in peace and harmony and respect one another’s economic rights.
He said: “There are renewed efforts to douse the tension between herders and farmers through initiatives that would gradually phase out open grazing in exchange for a permanent settlement for the herders.
AbdulRazaq said further: “Government will continue to engage all stakeholders to maintain peace and harmony between the two economic groups in the state.
Also commending the security agencies for their proactive steps, the Governor said the hijaab question is being tackled through engagements with stakeholders from the Muslim and Christian communities.
He said: “Another engagement is slated for Tuesday to firm up the government’s position on the issue.