The peace and tranquility currently enjoyed in Kogi State was achieved following the proactive Security Measures Government has put in place. Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, stated this at the weekend when he received the Presidential Committee on Peaceful Resolution and Dialogue in the Northern parts of Nigeria, who were in the State on a two day working visit.
The Governor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his concern and deployment of troops to the State during the period the State went through some security challenges.
Wada equally commended the setting up of the Committee on peaceful resolution and dialogue, adding that with the experience and integrity of the Committee Members, suggestions as to how to curb the present security challenges in the State will be arrived at.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi lauded the state of emergency rule declared in some troubled States, proscribtion of some religious groups as mutually reinforcing measures and right steps in the right direction towards achieving peace in the country.
The State Governor noted that the State which is bordered by nine states, with heavy people and vehicular traffic from twenty three out of the thirty six states in the country, was behind the security challenges the state witnessed recently.
Wada described the State as a haven of interfaith harmony, with adherents of both religions living in peace, said recent killing and bomb attacks on some religious organizations, Financial Institutions and the break of a Federal Prison in the State by insurgents took the state by surprised.
Capt. Wada, urged the Committee to use the assignment to look at the laws regarding the movement of cattle’s and herdsmen which now portend a major security challenge in the country as recently witness in Benue State which led to influx of refugees to the state, and the crisis in Nasarawa State,which also had negative effect on Kogi State and its people.
The State Governor commended all security agencies in the State for working beyond their call of duty to ensure peace, said the establishment of a Security Trust Fund by the state government, is to help improve logistic support to security agencies towards effective service delivery.
Earlier in his address, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Hon. Minister Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Peaceful Resolution and Dialogue in the North, said the Committee was established to find a lasting solution to security problems bedeviling the country, especially in the North.
While noting that the nation is not at war, the need for dialogue and other civil process in resolving the insecurity challenge affecting the nation, Turaki disclosed underscores Government’s seriousness in given peace a chance.
He said the Committee is made up of people of high integrity and experience; said issues will be looked at dispassionately. Concrete proposals on issues of insurgents, disarmament for all armed groups as well as proffer solution that will give succor to those affected one way or the other by the activities of insurgents, Turaki said forms the committee’s term of reference.
Alhaji Turaki, commended the Kogi State Government for bringing about the much desired confidence, which has once again restored peace to some troubled areas of the state, said the visit was to find lasting solution of insecurity to the nation.
The Committee later went into an interface with Traditional Rulers, Government Officials, Security Chiefs in the State and victims of unfortunate incidence ofinsurgents in the state.
The Chairman, disclosed that the meeting with stakeholders was to reassure the people that Government is concern about their safety, while to those who may have lost loved ones or were affected by the activities of insurgents that Government cares. He assured that the present government will do all it can to protect its citizens.
Stakeholders at the various meetings all made various suggestions towards the nation having a lasting peace.
The State Government equally presented a position paper on achieving a lasting peace in the country.
