Governor Sule Convenes Security Meeting Over Rising Kidnappings and Militia Activities

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for an emergency security council meeting to address the increasing cases of kidnappings and other security challenges in the state.

The meeting, held at the Government House on Monday, was called in response to the escalation of security threats, including kidnappings and activities of ethnic militia groups, particularly in areas such as Keffi, Doma, Lafia, Awe, Obi, Keana, Karu, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas.

During the meeting, Governor Sule expressed concern over the rise in kidnappings and militia activities, citing incidents in villages around Shegye, Katakpa, and other areas in Toto Local Government Area.

He also highlighted disputes within communities, including a recent incident in the Udege area where a person was killed due to intra-ethnic conflicts.

Governor Sule mentioned that recent discussions with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Lagos and security chiefs in Abuja necessitated the emergency meeting, emphasizing the need to address the activities of the Bassa militia group, operating under the guise of the Bassa Vigilante Group.

The governor announced plans to ban all single ethnic group vigilante groups in the state, including the Fulani Vigilante Group that has been active since 2009.

Members of these groups will be given a grace period to join existing community vigilante groups.

He commended his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, for holding the fort during his absence on the Lesser Hajj to Saudi Arabia, and thanked all those who supported his deputy, including traditional rulers and security agencies.

Governor Sule also appreciated the efforts of the security agencies in mitigating security challenges in the state, particularly in addressing recent crises between farmers and herders, such as the clash between the Eggon and Tiv communities in Kadarko, where five people were killed.