We won’t Allow Bandits to Takeover Bauchi–Mohammed
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has vowed that his administration will not allow criminals to take over the state and stop residents from going to their farms.
He stated this while commending vigilance groups in the state for their doggedness and collaboration with security agencies to curb criminality in the state. He said if not for them, bandits would have overtaken the state.
He spoke while flagging off the 2021 farming season and sales of fertiliser at a ceremony held at Soro in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.
His words: “We call on our vigilantes, especially as this is the headquarters of the vigilante group who call themselves ‘Babeli’. I’ve just discussed with their leader, who is my namesake, we appreciate so much what they are doing.
“They are working together with the police and the Army and we want that collaboration to continue. We are assuring the people of Bauchi that we are not going to sleep and allow criminals to overtake our own society or our communities to the extent that they will not allow us to go to our farms.”
“The challenge is ours. You should make sure that nobody stops you from exercising your liberty and freedom, especially to earn a living for yourself by going to the farm.”
Mohammed added that it was as a result of this that the government decided to set up a special squad made up of hunters and vigilante groups with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police.
He further said the government is getting the co-operation of security agencies. He advised the vigilante groups to “eschew arbitrariness and doing things that are beyond the rule of engagement.”
He also warned Forestry Officers in the state to stop selling cattle routes.
“We want to seize the opportunity to call on the farmers and the herders to continue to live in peace. Forestry Officers are hereby warned that we will not spare anybody selling cattle routes or areas that are reserved for the Federal Government or the government of Bauchi State for their own selfish ends.”
