By Rita Iliya
The Deputy Governor of Niger, Mr Yakubu Garba, says the relative peace being experienced in Shiroro Local Government Area is a result of deliberate investments by the state government in tackling insecurity.
He said this in an interview with newsmen during a condolence visit to Gusoro community over the death of its Ward Head, Alhaji Shugba Adamu, in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Garba said the administration of Gov. Umaru Bago had committed enormous resources to security, describing it as a critical component of governance.
He disclosed that the state government spends over N600 million monthly on security operations in Shiroro LGA alone, noting that the figure exceeds the total monthly wage bill of the council.
“Security is an integral part of governance and consumes a lot of resources. What we spend on security is even more than what we pay for human resources and social responsibilities.
“The entire salary of Shiroro Local Government is not up to N400 million monthly, yet the government spends over N600 million on security in the area,” he said.
The deputy governor noted that while some residents may question government efforts, those with knowledge of the situation understand the level of commitment involved in restoring peace.
“We may not come out to disclose all we are doing, but the results are evident. The relative peace being enjoyed today is not by accident,” he said.
Garba appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to promote peaceful coexistence within their communities.
He warned that threats to peace were not limited to bandits in the bush but also included informants and individuals promoting disunity within communities.
“It is not only the bandits that are our problem. Even within ourselves, those causing disunity and acting as informants are part of the challenges.
“We must preach peace and discourage any act that undermines our collective security,” he said.
He commended Bago for his commitment, noting that improved security had enabled residents to return to farming without fear.
Garba urged the people to continue to support and pray for the Bago-led administration.
He also cautioned residents against aiding criminal elements, stressing that no financial inducement was worth the loss of lives.
“No amount of money given to informants can be compared to the value of human lives,” he said.
The deputy governor commiserated with the people of Gusoro over the death of the Ward Head.
He described the late traditional leader as a pillar of community development whose contributions to social, economic and traditional institutions would be greatly missed.
He noted that Gusoro remained one of the major towns in Shiroro LGA, known for producing educated and accomplished individuals.
Garba called on youths in the area to resist being used by politicians to create division, urging them to prioritise family and community ties over political interests.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
