…’Another Food Palliative to be Rolled out to Ease Hardship’ – SSG
By Saeed Ahmad Bappah
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has on Monday chaired an expanded security meeting comprising all security agencies in Gombe State to address the ongoing wave of violent protests that have engulfed the nation.
The meeting came in the wake of widespread protests that turned violent, resulting in the destruction of public and private properties in Gombe metropolis.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, outlined the resolutions reached by the security council appreciating the efforts of security agencies in managing the protests.
The SSG commended the state governor and the security agents in managing the security situation in the state.
Njodi praised the citizens for their generally peaceful conduct during the protests expressing concerns over vandalism and theft of property.
He gave a stern warning to parents to monitor their children’s activities, given the involvement of some youths in the unrest, calling on citizens to report stolen items to the police.
The SSG emphasized reinforcement of community relations as crucial to maintaining peace and order.
He urged local government chairmen, emirs, and chiefs to act on the governors directive to strictly enforce the agreed resolutions within their domains.
The government approved immediate statewide palliatives to cushion the effects of the protests on the populace.
“As part of renewed efforts to address the hardships, the government plans to roll out another round of food palliatives to support vulnerable households across the state. This initiative, the 19th in the series, aims to provide immediate relief and ensure that no resident goes hungry during these trying times”, the SSG announced.
In response to the public concerns about the activities of the scrap materials merchants, popularly known as Bola- Jari, the SSG disclosed that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, to work out operational modalities to regulate their activities in the state.
Giving insights on behalf of other heads of Security agencies, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, disclosed that the protests, initially intended to be peaceful, had degenerated into violence, necessitating swift intervention to prevent further damage and loss of lives.
The police command, he said, had made several arrests, including individuals found in possession of Russian flags, which is considered a treasonable offense.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of obtaining police permits for protests and assured the public of their commitment to protecting both protesters and law-abiding citizens. He also revealed that 20 police officers sustained injuries during the protests but have since been discharged from the hospital.
The meeting was attended by all 11 local government chairmen, the Emir of Gombe, heads of security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.