…Plateau youths kick, reject Lalong’s ranching
Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo; Gyang Bere, Jos
The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the present security system of the country to avoid a total breakdown of law and order and prevailing anarchy.
He made the call yesterday in Jalingo, Taraba State, while on a solidarity and condolence visit to the Governor Darius Ishaku to commiserate with him on the death of a member of the state Assembly, Hosea Ibi, who was kidnapped and later killed by his abductors, and victims of recent attacks in the state.
“In the right order of things, there is nothing else that can replace the sacredness of human lives, and so when you see lives being wasted, it gives you cause for worry. It becomes even more worrisome when the people who should protect lives become so complacent.
“So far, the APC-led Federal Government failed the people woefully and urgently needs to review the entire security architecture of the country to avoid a state of anarchy,” Secondus said.
He alleged that mercenaries were imported into the country and called on the security agencies to address the situation and allay the fears of the people before people resorted to self-help.
While appreciating the leadership of the party for the visit, Ishaku said: “As we speak, I have received notice that Taraba State would be attacked in 10 day’s time. As a governor and chief security officer of my state, I don’t have control over the police or any other security agencies.
“When you inform them of the situation, they will tell you we need to contact our bosses and this often leads to costly delays.
“It is shameful that innocent lives are wasted and nothing is done over it. It is high time we restructure the system. The choice is ours whether to do it now and move forward as a nation or continue deceiving ourselves and end up like Somalia, ruled by war lords.”
Ishaku said his heart still bleeds over the 63 innocent persons killed and given mass burial recently in Lau Local Government Area of the state and many others who lost their lives in avoidable circumstances.
He regretted that peace remained illusive in the state despite all the efforts he put in place to fast track development.
Ishaku had on Wednesday described governors as toothless bulldogs and kings without crowns since they have the constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people without commensurate control over the security agencies to carry out the responsibility.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Choji Dalyop Chuwang, said any attempt to forcefully carve out land for cattle ranches or colonies in Plateau State as declared by Governor Simon Lalong would ignite serious security breach.
He bashed President Muhammadu Buhari for directing states to carve out land for cattle colonies.