Crime Fight: Taraba Gov Pledges Continued Support to Security Agencies
By Henry Agbu
The Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting security operatives in curbing crime in the state.
The Governor stated this while declaring open a two day sensitization workshop for community networks and security agencies on early detection, reporting, prevention and proactive response to violent extremism as well as utilization of early warning and response system.
The workshop which is taking place at the NIM Suite, Jalingo was organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC.
Declaring the workshop open, the Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas represented by the Chief of Staff Government House Jalingo, Dr Jeji William, the Governor described the programme as timely as the state and the nation continues to grapple with the challenges posed by violent extremism and terrorism which is threatening peace, stability and development.
Dr Jeji William addressing participants at the Workshop as the representative of Gov Agbu Kefas
He commended the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre for their commitment in addressing these pressing issues adding that inclusion of both state and in-state actors in the sensitization efforts underscores the importance of collaborative approach to combating violent extremism.
The Governor noted that he is aware of the devastating impact that violent extremism can have on communities as it disrupts lives, tear apart the social fabric and create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity that stifles economic growth and development.
According to him, the earlier detection and reporting of signs of extremism along with swift and coordinated response are therefore critical in the preventing threats from taking roots and spreading.
He noted that the fight against violent extremism is not sorely the responsibility of security agencies, adding communities have a crucial role to play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
He encouraged all participants to engage fully and share experiences and collaborate in finding practical solutions that can be implemented.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, who was represented by the organisation’s Manager Defence and Security, Abubakar Ajiman, said CISLAC recognises the important role communities play in preventing terrorism financing and combating terrorism hence the need for involving critical stakeholders who will propagate the information to members of the community ensuring a collective and effective approach to addressing issues.
The workshop featured goodwill messages from representatives of various security agencies and traditional institutions.
