— 14th December 2017
It is truly reassuring that the Federal Government is ramping
up security measures to thwart any possible terrorist attack in the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other cities during the Yuletide.
British and American governments had alerted their citizens in Nigeria
to plots by terrorists to bomb Abuja during the festive season.
To calm the nerves of Nigerians, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, noted that the security agencies have not let down their guard
despite the fact that there has been no terrorist attack in Abuja since
President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015.
The US mission also stated its concerns about potential attacks in the
states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of
the year, and warned travellers to avoid the states till then.
We commend the Minister of the FCT, Abuja, Muhammed Bello, for putting
the security agencies on red alert and ordering them to comb hotels and
other places terrorists are likely to hide. He also asked them to
ascertain the security preparedness of hotels and resorts in and around
the city. It was also wise of him to hold an emergency meeting of all
the agencies to prepare them for the task ahead.
Security alerts, warnings and risk assessments from the US and the UK
governments deserve attention because they are usually sourced from
credible intelligence. They may have been picked up from the many
sources available to those countries. That they may not be specific is
clearly a weakness which, nevertheless, imposes on our security agencies
the duty to embrace intelligence.
Because the terrorists choose the place and the time of their attacks,
it is the duty of the security agencies to plug every security hole and
ensure that all the vital precautions are taken. It is now considered a
reckless breach of security not to install metal detectors at entrances
to places of religious worship, markets, parks, airports, shopping
malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, camps for displaced
persons and busy workplaces. Whenever possible, people are advised to
keep away from crowded places.
The ultimate aim of the terrorist is to have as many casualties as
possible, and any measure taken to avoid crowded places is considered
prudent in the circumstance. Terrorists still try to sneak in and kill
even in a city as meticulously protected and guarded like New York City.
We urge Nigerian governments to invest in close circuit television
(CCTV) not just as an investigative tool but as a pre-emptive tool.
Criminals who know the CCTV cameras is watching tend to be a little more
restrained.
Much as we fear the onslaught of Boko Haram and its foreign associate,
the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levante (ISIL), it is a matter of deep
regret that the destructive trail often left by violent Fulani
herdsmen, somehow, seems to fall off the radar. It is the primary duty
of the government to protect its citizens.
Nigerians, wherever they may be in the country, are entitled to the
protection of their lives and their property. The spate of bloodshed by
terrorists in the year has been horrendous, and the number of deaths in
the last 30 months has been conservatively placed at 15,000. The Federal
Government’s reticence on herdsmen’s attacks is insensitive and
dangerous. It has gone on for too long.
Just last week, 95 Nigerians were buried in Adamawa State, victims of
the Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal against the alleged attack by Bachama
youths. Seven villages were burnt by the herdsmen. Last Friday witnessed
another bloody weekend in Kogi State when herdsmen invaded Ogabifo
village near Agbenema community in Omala Local Government and another
community in Yagba Local Government Area. Several persons were killed.
Farms and houses were also destroyed. Almost simultaneously, the
herdsmen sacked 200 families in Obio Usiere and Eniong Abatim in the
Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. There again, 10
persons were killed and 3,500 Nigerians rendered homeless by the
herdsmen.
Thus, it is not enough to assure Nigerians verbally of their security or
to be told that Boko Haram has been “technically defeated,” while every
week, the carnage continues in the form of suicide bombings and armed
attacks on defenceless communities.
It is vital to secure Abuja. But, it is equally important to reassure
the farmers in all parts of the country that they can go to their farms
without fear. As things stand today, we don’t think the government can
give such assurance. This should not be so.
Post Views:
31
A timely terror alert
— 14th December 2017
It is truly reassuring that the Federal Government is ramping
up security measures to thwart any possible terrorist attack in the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other cities during the Yuletide.
British and American governments had alerted their citizens in Nigeria
to plots by terrorists to bomb Abuja during the festive season.
To calm the nerves of Nigerians, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, noted that the security agencies have not let down their guard
despite the fact that there has been no terrorist attack in Abuja since
President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015.
The US mission also stated its concerns about potential attacks in the
states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of
the year, and warned travellers to avoid the states till then.
We commend the Minister of the FCT, Abuja, Muhammed Bello, for putting
the security agencies on red alert and ordering them to comb hotels and
other places terrorists are likely to hide. He also asked them to
ascertain the security preparedness of hotels and resorts in and around
the city. It was also wise of him to hold an emergency meeting of all
the agencies to prepare them for the task ahead.
Security alerts, warnings and risk assessments from the US and the UK
governments deserve attention because they are usually sourced from
credible intelligence. They may have been picked up from the many
sources available to those countries. That they may not be specific is
clearly a weakness which, nevertheless, imposes on our security agencies
the duty to embrace intelligence.
Because the terrorists choose the place and the time of their attacks,
it is the duty of the security agencies to plug every security hole and
ensure that all the vital precautions are taken. It is now considered a
reckless breach of security not to install metal detectors at entrances
to places of religious worship, markets, parks, airports, shopping
malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, camps for displaced
persons and busy workplaces. Whenever possible, people are advised to
keep away from crowded places.
The ultimate aim of the terrorist is to have as many casualties as
possible, and any measure taken to avoid crowded places is considered
prudent in the circumstance. Terrorists still try to sneak in and kill
even in a city as meticulously protected and guarded like New York City.
We urge Nigerian governments to invest in close circuit television
(CCTV) not just as an investigative tool but as a pre-emptive tool.
Criminals who know the CCTV cameras is watching tend to be a little more
restrained.
Much as we fear the onslaught of Boko Haram and its foreign associate,
the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levante (ISIL), it is a matter of deep
regret that the destructive trail often left by violent Fulani
herdsmen, somehow, seems to fall off the radar. It is the primary duty
of the government to protect its citizens.
Nigerians, wherever they may be in the country, are entitled to the
protection of their lives and their property. The spate of bloodshed by
terrorists in the year has been horrendous, and the number of deaths in
the last 30 months has been conservatively placed at 15,000. The Federal
Government’s reticence on herdsmen’s attacks is insensitive and
dangerous. It has gone on for too long.
Just last week, 95 Nigerians were buried in Adamawa State, victims of
the Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal against the alleged attack by Bachama
youths. Seven villages were burnt by the herdsmen. Last Friday witnessed
another bloody weekend in Kogi State when herdsmen invaded Ogabifo
village near Agbenema community in Omala Local Government and another
community in Yagba Local Government Area. Several persons were killed.
Farms and houses were also destroyed. Almost simultaneously, the
herdsmen sacked 200 families in Obio Usiere and Eniong Abatim in the
Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. There again, 10
persons were killed and 3,500 Nigerians rendered homeless by the
herdsmen.
Thus, it is not enough to assure Nigerians verbally of their security or
to be told that Boko Haram has been “technically defeated,” while every
week, the carnage continues in the form of suicide bombings and armed
attacks on defenceless communities.
It is vital to secure Abuja. But, it is equally important to reassure
the farmers in all parts of the country that they can go to their farms
without fear. As things stand today, we don’t think the government can
give such assurance. This should not be so.
Post Views:
31
A timely terror alert
— 14th December 2017
It is truly reassuring that the Federal Government is ramping
up security measures to thwart any possible terrorist attack in the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other cities during the Yuletide.
British and American governments had alerted their citizens in Nigeria
to plots by terrorists to bomb Abuja during the festive season.
To calm the nerves of Nigerians, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, noted that the security agencies have not let down their guard
despite the fact that there has been no terrorist attack in Abuja since
President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015.
The US mission also stated its concerns about potential attacks in the
states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of
the year, and warned travellers to avoid the states till then.
We commend the Minister of the FCT, Abuja, Muhammed Bello, for putting
the security agencies on red alert and ordering them to comb hotels and
other places terrorists are likely to hide. He also asked them to
ascertain the security preparedness of hotels and resorts in and around
the city. It was also wise of him to hold an emergency meeting of all
the agencies to prepare them for the task ahead.
Security alerts, warnings and risk assessments from the US and the UK
governments deserve attention because they are usually sourced from
credible intelligence. They may have been picked up from the many
sources available to those countries. That they may not be specific is
clearly a weakness which, nevertheless, imposes on our security agencies
the duty to embrace intelligence.
Because the terrorists choose the place and the time of their attacks,
it is the duty of the security agencies to plug every security hole and
ensure that all the vital precautions are taken. It is now considered a
reckless breach of security not to install metal detectors at entrances
to places of religious worship, markets, parks, airports, shopping
malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, camps for displaced
persons and busy workplaces. Whenever possible, people are advised to
keep away from crowded places.
The ultimate aim of the terrorist is to have as many casualties as
possible, and any measure taken to avoid crowded places is considered
prudent in the circumstance. Terrorists still try to sneak in and kill
even in a city as meticulously protected and guarded like New York City.
We urge Nigerian governments to invest in close circuit television
(CCTV) not just as an investigative tool but as a pre-emptive tool.
Criminals who know the CCTV cameras is watching tend to be a little more
restrained.
Much as we fear the onslaught of Boko Haram and its foreign associate,
the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levante (ISIL), it is a matter of deep
regret that the destructive trail often left by violent Fulani
herdsmen, somehow, seems to fall off the radar. It is the primary duty
of the government to protect its citizens.
Nigerians, wherever they may be in the country, are entitled to the
protection of their lives and their property. The spate of bloodshed by
terrorists in the year has been horrendous, and the number of deaths in
the last 30 months has been conservatively placed at 15,000. The Federal
Government’s reticence on herdsmen’s attacks is insensitive and
dangerous. It has gone on for too long.
Just last week, 95 Nigerians were buried in Adamawa State, victims of
the Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal against the alleged attack by Bachama
youths. Seven villages were burnt by the herdsmen. Last Friday witnessed
another bloody weekend in Kogi State when herdsmen invaded Ogabifo
village near Agbenema community in Omala Local Government and another
community in Yagba Local Government Area. Several persons were killed.
Farms and houses were also destroyed. Almost simultaneously, the
herdsmen sacked 200 families in Obio Usiere and Eniong Abatim in the
Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. There again, 10
persons were killed and 3,500 Nigerians rendered homeless by the
herdsmen.
Thus, it is not enough to assure Nigerians verbally of their security or
to be told that Boko Haram has been “technically defeated,” while every
week, the carnage continues in the form of suicide bombings and armed
attacks on defenceless communities.
It is vital to secure Abuja. But, it is equally important to reassure
the farmers in all parts of the country that they can go to their farms
without fear. As things stand today, we don’t think the government can
give such assurance. This should not be so.
Post Views:
31
A timely terror alert
— 14th December 2017
It is truly reassuring that the Federal Government is ramping
up security measures to thwart any possible terrorist attack in the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other cities during the Yuletide.
British and American governments had alerted their citizens in Nigeria
to plots by terrorists to bomb Abuja during the festive season.
To calm the nerves of Nigerians, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, noted that the security agencies have not let down their guard
despite the fact that there has been no terrorist attack in Abuja since
President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015.
The US mission also stated its concerns about potential attacks in the
states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of
the year, and warned travellers to avoid the states till then.
We commend the Minister of the FCT, Abuja, Muhammed Bello, for putting
the security agencies on red alert and ordering them to comb hotels and
other places terrorists are likely to hide. He also asked them to
ascertain the security preparedness of hotels and resorts in and around
the city. It was also wise of him to hold an emergency meeting of all
the agencies to prepare them for the task ahead.
Security alerts, warnings and risk assessments from the US and the UK
governments deserve attention because they are usually sourced from
credible intelligence. They may have been picked up from the many
sources available to those countries. That they may not be specific is
clearly a weakness which, nevertheless, imposes on our security agencies
the duty to embrace intelligence.
Because the terrorists choose the place and the time of their attacks,
it is the duty of the security agencies to plug every security hole and
ensure that all the vital precautions are taken. It is now considered a
reckless breach of security not to install metal detectors at entrances
to places of religious worship, markets, parks, airports, shopping
malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, camps for displaced
persons and busy workplaces. Whenever possible, people are advised to
keep away from crowded places.
The ultimate aim of the terrorist is to have as many casualties as
possible, and any measure taken to avoid crowded places is considered
prudent in the circumstance. Terrorists still try to sneak in and kill
even in a city as meticulously protected and guarded like New York City.
We urge Nigerian governments to invest in close circuit television
(CCTV) not just as an investigative tool but as a pre-emptive tool.
Criminals who know the CCTV cameras is watching tend to be a little more
restrained.
Much as we fear the onslaught of Boko Haram and its foreign associate,
the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levante (ISIL), it is a matter of deep
regret that the destructive trail often left by violent Fulani
herdsmen, somehow, seems to fall off the radar. It is the primary duty
of the government to protect its citizens.
Nigerians, wherever they may be in the country, are entitled to the
protection of their lives and their property. The spate of bloodshed by
terrorists in the year has been horrendous, and the number of deaths in
the last 30 months has been conservatively placed at 15,000. The Federal
Government’s reticence on herdsmen’s attacks is insensitive and
dangerous. It has gone on for too long.
Just last week, 95 Nigerians were buried in Adamawa State, victims of
the Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal against the alleged attack by Bachama
youths. Seven villages were burnt by the herdsmen. Last Friday witnessed
another bloody weekend in Kogi State when herdsmen invaded Ogabifo
village near Agbenema community in Omala Local Government and another
community in Yagba Local Government Area. Several persons were killed.
Farms and houses were also destroyed. Almost simultaneously, the
herdsmen sacked 200 families in Obio Usiere and Eniong Abatim in the
Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. There again, 10
persons were killed and 3,500 Nigerians rendered homeless by the
herdsmen.
Thus, it is not enough to assure Nigerians verbally of their security or
to be told that Boko Haram has been “technically defeated,” while every
week, the carnage continues in the form of suicide bombings and armed
attacks on defenceless communities.
It is vital to secure Abuja. But, it is equally important to reassure
the farmers in all parts of the country that they can go to their farms
without fear. As things stand today, we don’t think the government can
give such assurance. This should not be so.
Post Views:
31
A timely terror alert
— 14th December 2017
It is truly reassuring that the Federal Government is ramping
up security measures to thwart any possible terrorist attack in the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other cities during the Yuletide.
British and American governments had alerted their citizens in Nigeria
to plots by terrorists to bomb Abuja during the festive season.
To calm the nerves of Nigerians, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, noted that the security agencies have not let down their guard
despite the fact that there has been no terrorist attack in Abuja since
President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015.
The US mission also stated its concerns about potential attacks in the
states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of
the year, and warned travellers to avoid the states till then.
We commend the Minister of the FCT, Abuja, Muhammed Bello, for putting
the security agencies on red alert and ordering them to comb hotels and
other places terrorists are likely to hide. He also asked them to
ascertain the security preparedness of hotels and resorts in and around
the city. It was also wise of him to hold an emergency meeting of all
the agencies to prepare them for the task ahead.
Security alerts, warnings and risk assessments from the US and the UK
governments deserve attention because they are usually sourced from
credible intelligence. They may have been picked up from the many
sources available to those countries. That they may not be specific is
clearly a weakness which, nevertheless, imposes on our security agencies
the duty to embrace intelligence.
Because the terrorists choose the place and the time of their attacks,
it is the duty of the security agencies to plug every security hole and
ensure that all the vital precautions are taken. It is now considered a
reckless breach of security not to install metal detectors at entrances
to places of religious worship, markets, parks, airports, shopping
malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, camps for displaced
persons and busy workplaces. Whenever possible, people are advised to
keep away from crowded places.
The ultimate aim of the terrorist is to have as many casualties as
possible, and any measure taken to avoid crowded places is considered
prudent in the circumstance. Terrorists still try to sneak in and kill
even in a city as meticulously protected and guarded like New York City.
We urge Nigerian governments to invest in close circuit television
(CCTV) not just as an investigative tool but as a pre-emptive tool.
Criminals who know the CCTV cameras is watching tend to be a little more
restrained.
Much as we fear the onslaught of Boko Haram and its foreign associate,
the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levante (ISIL), it is a matter of deep
regret that the destructive trail often left by violent Fulani
herdsmen, somehow, seems to fall off the radar. It is the primary duty
of the government to protect its citizens.
Nigerians, wherever they may be in the country, are entitled to the
protection of their lives and their property. The spate of bloodshed by
terrorists in the year has been horrendous, and the number of deaths in
the last 30 months has been conservatively placed at 15,000. The Federal
Government’s reticence on herdsmen’s attacks is insensitive and
dangerous. It has gone on for too long.
Just last week, 95 Nigerians were buried in Adamawa State, victims of
the Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal against the alleged attack by Bachama
youths. Seven villages were burnt by the herdsmen. Last Friday witnessed
another bloody weekend in Kogi State when herdsmen invaded Ogabifo
village near Agbenema community in Omala Local Government and another
community in Yagba Local Government Area. Several persons were killed.
Farms and houses were also destroyed. Almost simultaneously, the
herdsmen sacked 200 families in Obio Usiere and Eniong Abatim in the
Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. There again, 10
persons were killed and 3,500 Nigerians rendered homeless by the
herdsmen.
Thus, it is not enough to assure Nigerians verbally of their security or
to be told that Boko Haram has been “technically defeated,” while every
week, the carnage continues in the form of suicide bombings and armed
attacks on defenceless communities.
It is vital to secure Abuja. But, it is equally important to reassure
the farmers in all parts of the country that they can go to their farms
without fear. As things stand today, we don’t think the government can
give such assurance. This should not be so.
Post Views:
31