President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the security chiefs in the country to be more vigilant and ensure the protection of lives and property in the country.
He gave the directive on Tuesday in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.
“I will continue to pressurise members of the law enforcement agencies directly under me by the Constitution as the Commander-in Chief,” President Buhari said. “About eight days ago, we had five hours security meeting of the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police.”
The President, who spoke in Plateau State, condemned the recent attack that claimed many lives and destroyed property in some villages in the state.
He further held an interactive session with stakeholders in Plateau where he urged traditional and community leaders to complement the government’s efforts by persuading their constituencies to tolerate one another for peace and unity in the country.
According to President Buhari, “What happened here in Jos is very bad. The question of leadership, from your household to whatever you are, is justice. The bottom line is justice.”
“That is why wherever I go, I will always appeal to the leadership of the communities, the law enforcement agencies to always have control of their constituencies,” he added.
The President condoled with the affected families, the government and people of the state, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
He also used the occasion of the interactive session to appeal to Nigerians to avoid inflammatory utterances that endanger peace or promote conflicts.
President Buhari, however, said, “It is noteworthy that many Nigerians still acknowledge that despite the security challenges, this administration has made notable successes in the security sector.”
He was accompanied to the meeting by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his counterparts from Kebbi and Niger states.
At the meeting, the President carefully listened to the presentations and recommendations made by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Mr Nura Abdullahi, and a representative of Berom community in Plateau, Mrs Florence Jambol, on engendering peace in the communities.
