Recruit forest guards to tackle bandits, Northern youths tell Tinubu.

Recruit forest guards to tackle bandits, Northern youths tell Tinubu.

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals on Wednesday renewed its agitation for the recruitment of forest guards, saying it is a viable option to checkmate random attacks on villages if President Bola Tinubu is serious about solving the insecurity challenges in the North.

The appeal comes hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima paid a visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to commiserate with the people following the recent invasion of several communities in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas by gunmen on Christmas Eve.

The VP was received by the state’s governor, Caleb Mutfwang; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and other security chiefs.

PUNCH reports that more than 150 persons were killed by the marauders, while a thousand other villagers were displaced in the wake of the attack.

Reacting via a statement issued in Abuja titled ‘Seasonal Attacks Can Be Curtailed: President Tinubu Should Fulfill Campaign Promise of Rehabilitating Forest Guard’, Chairman of the Northern Christian Group, Isaac Abrak, expressed concern about the trend of such random attacks, especially during the festive season.

According to him, Tinubu should immediately consider working in collaboration with some state governors in the region to set up and empower forest guards to protect locals and provide intelligence that could complement the efforts of the military in the fight against insecurity

The PUNCH reported that Abrak made a similar appeal to the president three months ago to fulfil his campaign promise of rehabilitating the guards.

He said, “The Northern Christian Youth Professionals vehemently condemn the barbaric attacks and heart-wrenching killings that unfolded on Christmas Eve, claiming the lives of 115 innocent individuals in the communities of Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The relentless wave of violence against our communities, particularly during festive seasons, is deplorable and unacceptable in every conceivable sense. We mourn with the families affected by this tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Plateau State. It is disheartening that the wanton attacks and killings of innocent people have persisted for far too long in Nigeria. Such acts of violence must not be tolerated any further, and we call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take decisive measures to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

“In light of these recent atrocities, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfill his campaign promise of rehabilitating the Forest Ranger/Forest Guards.

“This initiative, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, is a critical step towards bolstering the efforts of the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and properties.

“We have long advocated for the recruitment of individuals, particularly youths residing in communities at the fringes of forests that have become hotbeds for terrorist activities. These communities have been targeted for many years, and it is imperative that we empower the youths to take an active role in securing their own environments.”

Continuing, Abrak stressed that it was evident terrorist groups in Nigeria are beginning to exploit festive seasons such as Christmas, Sallah, and Independence Days to perpetrate their heinous acts.

Credit: Punch Newspaper