By Idris Khalid
The Arewa Youth Vanguard has lend it’s support to a security expert, Mr. Adejare Adegbenro whom it described as well versed in decimating terrorism.
The convener of the group, Amb. Zakari Hashim, who pledged the support while addressing journalists in Bauchi Thursday, said they were supporting Mr. Adejare Adegbenro on the fight against terrorism.
According to him, the claim by the Honorable minister of information Lai Mohammed is not only far from reality but also a mockery on the Nigerian populace.
Hashim explained that the group threw its weight behind renowned security expert Adejare Adegbenro who, he said, has faulted the Minister’s assertion on security decimation claim.
“Mr. Adejare Adegbenro is a renowned security expert globally recognized in addressing peace and conflict resolution, he is a versatile technocrat with experience to provide solutions to the security of this country and beyond”, Zakari said.
The group therefore called on the Minister and heads of security apparatus to bring experts to a dialogue table and chart a new cause in fighting security challenges.
It would be recalled that Information Minister Lai Mohammed has in a recent joint press conference with security chiefs hinted that the worst security challenges in the country are over.
Lai however said that although there might still be pockets of attacks nationwide, he pointed out that the situation can never be worse.
He noted that while the most populous black nation might not be there yet, the military and other security agencies, nevertheless, have succeeded substantially in containing insecurity.
The minister said: “As far as the daunting security challenges we face are concerned, we can tell you that the worst is over. Never again will terrorists and bandits and their cohorts hold sway in our country.
“President (Muhammadu) Buhari’s directive to the military to crush those terrorising our citizens is working, hence, peace and security are gradually being restored to the country.” He stated that the government remained committed to ensuring that no one is in the captivity of bandits.
The minister urged anyone with useful information about kidnapped persons to report to relevant authorities.
While charging the media to also give as much prominence to the security agencies as is given to bandits and terrorists whenever they attack, Mohammed, however, failed to respond to a question on why it took the President’s recent directive for security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of securing citizens.
He continued: “Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately. In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralised by the military and the number of hostages freed.
“Mr. President has also assured that the tempo would be sustained until peace and security are fully actualised.”
