The Katsina State Commissioner of Inner Safety and Dwelling Affairs, Nasir Muazu, has cleared the air on what he described as misrepresentations concerning the state’s method to group safety.
Muazu mentioned the state authorities has not directed residents to amass arms and defend themselves towards banditry.
In keeping with him, the federal government has solely taken a proactive and revolving method to addressing the safety challenges confronted by distant communities, particularly these within the eight frontline native authorities areas of the state.
A press release signed by Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda, on Thursday, learn, “The Katsina State Authorities beneath the management of His Excellency, Dikko Radda PhD CON, has cleared the current misrepresentations concerning the state’s method to group safety.
“The State Authorities has solely taken a proactive and revolving method to addressing the safety challenges confronted by distant communities, particularly these within the eight frontline native authorities areas of the state.
“Fairly than encouraging residents to arm themselves individually, the federal government has carried out a Neighborhood Volunteer Teams programme to coach and equip the group volunteers with Dane Weapons and different crucial expertise and assets to guard themselves and their communities.
“The Neighborhood Volunteer Teams are designed to function the primary line of defence in villages and communities which can be troublesome for safety forces to achieve shortly for interventions.
“By empowering native residents with the information and instruments to guard themselves, the state authorities goals to reinforce general safety and cut back the affect of bandits’ assaults.
“The state authorities emphasises that this programme, referred to as the Neighborhood Volunteer Teams (CVG) clearly demonstrates authorities’s resolve to hold the folks alongside within the battle towards insecurity.
“The transfer entails cautious vetting and coaching of people from frontline native authorities areas in self-defence strategies, including that: These volunteers are supplied with Dane Weapons, that are permitted beneath Nigerian regulation, for use solely as a final resort when crucial.
“The Katsina State Authorities stays dedicated to the security and safety of all its residents and can proceed to work in collaboration with federal safety businesses to make sure peace and stability throughout the state,” the assertion added.
The PUNCH learnt that lately there have been studies from some sections concerning the administration of Dikko Radda urging residents to arm themselves towards terrorists.
