How We’re Managing Security In Gombe, Says Gov Inuwa Yahaya

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has given an insight into how his administration is managing security in the state.

The governor, according to a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, spoke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

He said: “We thank God for helping us as far as the issue of security is concerned. We are in the midst of the North-East and we are aware of the challenges in the frontline States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are facing so we’ve tried as much as possible in order to live in peace and harmony.

“This is despite our differences; religious difference, social difference and other social differences that normally cause friction among the people and we have gotten the understanding of our people and with the support of the security agencies, we’ve been able to relate well and manage security in Gombe State. We’re happy and by the grace of God we shall try to sustain that going forward.”

Commenting on the recent killing.of some travelers in Jos, Plateau State, and Governor Yahaya urged people to remain calm and desist from reprisals.

He said the Gombe State Government had been able to manage the tension that arose from the incident, noting that “the situation is currently under control in Gombe.”

Governor Yahaya said: “All stakeholders, the traditional institutions, schools and agencies that have to manage a number of people were called for a meeting at the Government House where we briefed and advised them not to make reprisal attacks.

“We have also successfully evacuated our students studying in the University of Jos back home as a proactive measure.

“Besides that, we’ve been relating with the religious authorities so that we don’t have reprisal atatcks either from the Christian or Muslim sides. Mind you, a lot of families in Gombe are both Muslims and Christians and that relationship transcends current issues that are causing tension and I think we have been able to manage the matter and people are cooperating and we will continue to do that.

“We have security management committees in place, comprising traditional rulers, from the ward, to districts, emirates and chiefdoms, up to the State level. Therefore, we share information and manage whatever decision we take and whenever there is an issue, we nip it in the bud without allowing it to get to an alarming state or level.”