By
Babangida Galleon
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has advocated for the establishment of Army Command in Numan Federation to assist in order address cases of insecurity, especially the incessant farmer/herders clashes.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, made the advocacy while addressing the Chief of Army Staff COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who led other senior officers from the Nigeria Army Headquarters Abuja for a courtesy visit at the Government House Yola.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri revealed that even though the State is enjoying relative peace as the result of Government’s commitment and the unyielding efforts of the security formations in the state, places like Gombi- Garkida axis, bay areas of the Northern zone and Numan Federation in the Southern Zone needs more security attention.
Fintiri appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for taking time to visit and asses security situation of the state at a critical moment in history of the country.
The governor notes that though the Government and the security formations in the state are doing their best, few places in Gombi- Garkida axis and bay areas of the Northern zone are still grappling with cases of insecurity.
According to the Governor, was the incessant farmer/herder clashes in Numan Federation which has claimed lives and destroyed properties and means of livelihoods was a cause for concern and an exceptional case that needed more attention considering it’s devastating effect on the affected communities and the state in general.
“We have challenges in Gombi/Garkida axis, we have challenges in the bay areas of the Northern zone and equally we have more challenges in the Numan Federation”
“This has to do with farmer/herder clashes and I believe establishing another command there will assist in reaching out to some of this troubled places and will help in bringing stability generally in the state and the country”.
Governor Fintiri maintained that if the army successfully established its command in the area, Government will contribute its quarter through the provision of accommodation, logistics and all that is required to make the command operational under the 23 Brigade.
He commended Lieutenant General Lagbaja, for his efforts since assumption into office as Chief of Army Staff, thereby bringing to barest minimum criminal activities in the country and pledged to give him necessary support to succeed.
The governor affirmed that the 23 Brigade in the state is performing well, assuring that Adamawa State Government will not relent in its efforts to continue to support the State Brigade Command.
Earlier in his address , the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja stated that he was in the state on assessment tour of formations and units of the 23 Brigade Command in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff said the visit has given him the opportunity to interact with troops of the 23 Brigade and also assessed the security situation of the state.
Lagbaja informed the Governor that, the 23 Brigade commander in the state has briefed him on the security situation in the state, the gaps and challenges been experienced by the Brigade.
According to him, the army is paying more attention on its station in Numan, noting that the Nigeria Army will take into account the Numan area as part of its operational strategy in Adamawa State.
He appreciated Governor Fintiri for his numerous intervention and support to the Army formations and units in the state, particularly his intervention during the face-off between the Army and the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
While appealing to the Governor not to relent on his support to the Command, the Chief of Army Staff assured the Governor that the 23 Brigade will live no stone unturned in ensuring there is peace and security in the state.