‘Be security conscious,’ Kuje council boss tells residents

THE Chairman of Kuje Local Council, Ishaiku Tete, has tasked residents of the area to be vigilant at all times in order to forestall a repeat of the terror attack recently visited on the area.

Tete, who stated this in Kuje while briefing journalists on modalities put in place to ensure improved security, noted that the council, together with the traditional rulers, had been in constant consultation with the people on the need to be security conscious.

The council boss said the terror attack came as a huge surprise to the people of the area who he described as highly welcoming of visitors and generally peace- loving people.

He added that a 24-hour surveillance of the area by security operatives and local vigilance has commenced, adding that the FCT Police Command was particularly offering round-the-clock undercover surveillance.

As part of measures to protect the area, Tete stressed that useful information regarding security and safety of the people would be highly appreciated, adding that the incident has now changed the psyche of the people, who are now suspicious of strangers. While urging residents to remain calm, the chairman said that constant vigilance remains the way to nip such a development in the bud.

“Our people are very peaceful people and they love visitors. The bomb blast came as a surprise to all of us. In fact, we least expected it because our people love visitors and welcome people. So there was no way we could have foreseen such an incident. To tell you the truth, that incident has changed the thinking of our people who are now a little weary of strangers.”

“But today, I can assure you that we are on top of the situation. The Police have been very wonderful right from when the incident took place till now. As soon as I was told, I quickly called the Commissioner of Police, who came in with his men in numbers. As I speak, we have 24 hours patrol by security agents, coupled with our own underground security network. All I want to say is that we need to be very vigilant”, he stressed.