Gunmen kill five in Taraba as group launches security campaign

• IGP deploys K9 assets to railway stations nationwide
Efforts by the Taraba State Government to checkmate activities of gunmen have again been frustrated, as no fewer than five persons have been killed at Rafinkada village in Wukari Local Government Area.

The Guardian learnt that the attacks, which occurred yesterday, have further heightened tensions that enveloped the state in the last couple of weeks.

Confirming the attacks, council Chairman, Adi Daniel, said the unknown gunmen who came in their large numbers were sighted wearing military uniforms.

Describing it as a coordinated attack, he explained that it happened in the early hours of the day, leading to massive destruction of property as many houses were burnt down.

He, therefore, urged the state government to beef up security in the council and nearby villages, stressing that the council was in ‘dire need of peace,’ and challenged government to address security challenges in the state.

When contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, said the command was unaware of the development, but promised to confirm the incident and report back.

But as at the time of filing in this report, the curfew imposed on Jalingo and its environs by the state government was still in force

Besides, a non-partisan advocacy organisation, One Voice Nigeria (OVN) has launched a campaign to complement Federal Government’s efforts to provide the country’s military with adequate resources.

The group, which is committed to rallying Nigerians of diverse persuasions to adopt a common ground, officially commenced the crusade tagged: Nothing Is Too Much For Our Security yesterday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Comrade Kabiru Ibrahim Dallah, it stressed that security was the most serious business and should be given utmost attention.

Meanwhile, in a bid to prevent crimes on the nation’s railway corridor, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed K9 assets to all railway stations across the country.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, disclosed this at the commencement of K9 deployment to all railway stations nationwide in Abuja.

He stressed that the initiative fell within the Operation Puff Adder, adding that it was planned to compliment measures put in place for security, safety of passengers and critical infrastructure of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) across the country.

“The deployment of special breed and trained police dogs for security duties is as old as human civilisation. Hence, their being used to combat crimes and other internal security threats in the 21st century cannot be over emphasised,” he said.