PERM SEC. MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS HOSTS VIGILANTE GROUP OF NIGERIA, KARU BRANCH
As part of efforts to support the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule in the provision of adequate security across Nasarawa State, the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, has promised to work in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Karu Local Government Area Branch and surrounding areas.
The Permanent Secretary stated this on Wednesday when he played host to personnel of the Group headed by the Area Commander, Marcus Jatau, in his office in Lafia.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary said, “Thank you for this august visit. This is home-coming for you because I am one of you from the same Local Government Area.
“Suffice to say that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule knows the value of security, which is why we are enjoying relative peace and security in the land.
“Just recently, the Governor presented operational vehicles to Security Agencies, including the Vigilante Group, and other Heads of Government Organisations to enable them carry out their duties effectively.
“This proves that the Government is aware of your existence and what you do.
“We come from a Local Government Area that has witnessed the influx of people from different parts of the world, majority of whom we don’t know their sources of livelihood. But with your efforts, we know there will be no room for complacency. The same way I prioritize security because I engaged security personnel to guard my house and the surrounding areas in Karu.
“You won’t know the advantage of security until you try insecurity. Just recently, a title holder and his daughter were kidnapped in Karu, and we are yet to know their whereabouts.
“I feel happy that you are here to collaborate with us. As a Ministry, we shall do our best to meet some of your needs.
“I will discuss with the Commissioner and other relevant stakeholders in Karu and relate back to you in areas of mutual collaboration for the provision of adequate security for rapid development in the State. No society thrives in the atmosphere of insecurity.
“We appreciate you and all the Security Agencies operating in the State for the great job you are doing. Government will continue to support Security Agencies in the State to ensure we enjoy relative peace in the land.”
On his part, leader of the squad and Area Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Karu Local Government Area, Marcus Jatau, disclosed that the visit was to identify with the Permanent Secretary and Ministry with a view to seeking areas of mutual benefit, especially in the provision of adequate security in Karu Local Government Area and surrounding districts.
He noted that his Organization is challenged with inadequate operational gadgets to effectively carry out its tasks.
“We are closer to the people than any other Security outfit because we are parts of the community; we know everyone and what they can do.
“Unfortunately, we are challenged by inadequate gadgets to effectively carry out our duties.
“We lack operational motorcycles and vehicles and other security devices to enable us support the fight against insecurity in a multi-complex society like Karu which continues to witness the influx of people from all over the country and beyond.
“We face different security challenges everyday in Karu, and until we are able to meet up with the different tricks of the criminals with adequate devices, lives and properties will remain unsafe for everyone”, he said.
Marcus assured the Permanent Secretary and Government of Nasarawa State as well as citizens of Karu Local Government Area that his men will continue to do their best to tackle insecurity in Karu Local Government Area.
Also in attendance at the meeting was the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Supplies, Mustapha Isa.