By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gombe State Command, has expressed full readiness to protecting the lives and property of citizens during the planned nationwide mass protest.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Corps commander Muhammad Bello Mu’azu made the expression during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters, Gombe.
While maintaining that their commitments is to make Gombe State peaceful, the commandant said “We in the NSCDC are fully ready to safeguard critical public infrastructure and individuals’ lives and property”.
Bello Mu’azu said the command has deployed 600 personnel across the state to man key public and private infrastructure.
“We posted 600 personnel across the state, 30 for Gombe Main Market alone and 15 for the old market”, the commandant added.
Bello Mu’azu acknowledged that demonstration is a constitutional right of every citizen, but it must be peaceful, and protesters must not deviate to breaking shops and stores.
He charged the men and officers of the command to be civil and professional in approach while handling the protest, adding that “You must be patriotic, and do not shoot at any protester”.
The commandant equally charged them to work in synergy with other security personnel for a successful assignment. “You must work in total and complete synergy with the police, the army and all other agencies to protect the interest of the state”.
Speaking on the Kalare clash that led the lost of three lives on Tuesday in Bolari, Bello Mu’azu said the incident has no correlation to the planned mass protest, but a common discrepancy among the thugs groups.
He appealed to journalists to keep the synergy as partners in progress, in ensuring the public are kept informed on the importance of peace and security.
He assured that protection of public infrastructure and individuals safety during protest is free, warning men and officers of the command to desist from collect a Kobo from members of the public in the name of protection.