Chairman of Munya local government council of Niger state, Malam Aminu Najume, has cried out for the rescue of his people from incessant terrorists’ attacks.
Najume stated this at the weekend while confirming the invasion of Kuchi communities Friday night during which seven people were killed and 150 others abducted.
Najume also confirmed that those killed included four security personnel, vigilantee and other villagers.
However, he said the security personnel in the area displayed gallantry by killing over 25 of the terrorists in a gun duel.
He disclosed that the gunmen invaded the community at about 7:00pm in groups, numbering about 300. “They moved from house to house and dispossessing people of their belongings. They also abducted about 150 villagers, including women and went away with them inside the rain. Honestly the council is overwhelmed with the current situation. I am not thinking straight as I speak with you because my people have lost their sleep, they have been forced out of the community,” he said.
The council boss blamed the continuous onslaught by the terrorists on communities in his local government area on failure of the Kaduna state government to flush them out of the forest bordering the area.
He said: “These people usually come from Kaduna state to operate in Niger state and return back. They move in their hundreds and yet the security agents don’t see them, even when the villagers alert them, no action is taken.
“Look at yesterday’s attack, (Friday night), the bandits operated for over three hours, there was no reinforcement from anywhere. They outnumbered the Joint Security Taskforce and succeeded in killing four of them, including some villagers. We cannot ascertain the number of people that were injured because some are still in the bush, they slept there,” Najume explained.
Speaking further, he said:”They went from house to house selecting those they wanted to go away with, including women. They looted all the shops in the community and went away with all the goods and drinks.”
The terrorists, according to him, stormed the community with about 100 motorcycles with each carrying at least three people, and “were all heavily armed.”
…Tinubu promises more equipment to combat insecurity
Meanwhile; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised that his administration will procure more state-of-the-art aircraft and equipment to combat the wave of insecurity across the country.
He also pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising national security and the welfare of the armed forces.
The president, who spoke at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s 60th anniversary in Kaduna, said he’s standing with the armed forces through challenges, triumphs, and grief, not as repayment but as an assurance of the nation’s unwavering support.
And in tandem with the occasion’s theme, “Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security,” Tinubu welcomed the participation of various partners and air forces from around the world, particularly Africa.
While commending NAF’s six decades of service, sacrifice, and patriotism, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said: “I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organisation, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long.”
The president lauded the critical role played by the NAF in maintaining regional and sub-regional peace and security.
Tinubu also congratulated the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff for sustaining the culture of service on the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, assuring “we stand with you in your times of need, triumph, and grief.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security, noting that development cannot be guaranteed without a secured nation.
The president further said: “In my inaugural address a year ago, I noted that security would be the top priority of my administration because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure. This is why we have continued to support the modernization efforts of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges.”
Tinubu, who also disclosed that to address national and sub-regional security challenges, his administration had invested substantially in the procurement of the state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, sensors, and equipment to enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities.
“These acquisitions, including Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft, Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 trekker multi-role helicopters, and M-346 attack aircraft, aim to boost the nation’s combat and airlift capabilities,” he said.
While calling for a holistic approach to tackling the nation’s security challenges, the president acknowledged the socio-economic factors contributing to security challenges.
He said: “We are confident that this temporary sacrifice will come to an end soon, and the country will be on the sound economic footing we have promised the nation.”
The president, who paid tribute to the surviving members of the first set of pioneer NAF personnel, veterans, and fallen comrades, saluted them for their bravery, commitment, and service to the nation.
…Reminiscence
In a reminiscence of sorts, a representative of Courses 37 and 38 of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo (retd), recalled with nostalgia, how they were enrolled into the Air Force some 38 years ago, saying, he cannot but thank God for the journey so far.
While noting that many of their colleagues unceremoniously exited the service, he admitted the journey was not without challenges, and therefore expressed gratitude to the officers who encouraged them, especially the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff.
Ohwo also thanked President Tinubu and all who helped them succeed while in the service.
At the event were former President of the Senate/Chairman, Senate Committee of Defence, Ahmad Lawan, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle, chief host, Air Marshal Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.