Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has said the intensity of Boko Haram attacks has gingered his people to fight back rather than chicken out.
He said the recent upsurge of Boko Haram attacks on Gajiram, Gajigana, Dalori and Gubio will never deter the people of the state but rather bring out the best of resistance in them.
He said his government is more committed than ever before to take on the insurgents and ensure victory and the return of peace and development.
The governor made this pronouncement on Wednesday during the official launch of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Agro Rangers Squad.
The rangers with 75 squad members, to be assisted the military, paramilitary and 120 strong members of the Civilian Joint Task Force are given the task of providing protection to farmlands and farmers in the state.
Zulum recalled that during his inaugural address, he pledged his commitment towards upholding section 14 (1) b of the constitution as amended that categorically states that: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government,” noting that he is ready and ever committed to ensuring the fulfilment of that pledge.
He said, “The clarion call since my assumption of duty as the Chief Executive of the state has been that of patience, endurance and a quick return to farming while the government does the needful.
“We have since commenced the opening up of farmlands along major highways and putting necessary safeguards to protect the farmlands as well as the farmers. In addition to the support package in terms of farm inputs and financial incentives, government is working towards facilitating grants to farmers from various sources to help boost up agricultural sector.
“Today, we are commissioning 75 “Agro – rangers” for immediate deployment to the field of operation. They just graduated after undergoing an intensive training programme in College of Peace, Conflict Resolution and Disaster Management in Katsina.
“They were exposed to the fundamental skills and knowledge to carry out their responsibilities effectively under the direct supervision of the Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps.”
He assured that sooner than later, government will have another batch of 150, which will work hand in hand with all other security outfits such as the Civilian JTF, Hunters, and Vigilante groups to achieve a harmonious working relationship
He said, “We want to build a formidable team with the technical support of the military, the police, civil defence, state security services and other security operations.”
The Assistant Commandant General of NSCDC, Barrister Augustine Obiekwe, who represented the Commandant General of the corps, said Borno is the first beneficiary of the scheme as other agro rangers would be deployed all over the country to protect the agricultural resources of Nigeria.
He said the agro rangers are to ensure security across the country with minimum use of force.
He warned the rangers against violating the human rights of Nigerians in the course of undertaking their task.
