North Central govs seek federal assistance for digital projects, insecurity

North Central governors, yesterday, rose from their meeting in Makurdi, Benue State with an appeal to the Federal Government to support the zone in its ongoing digital technology projects and other measures to contain insecurity in the region.

In a communiqué read by their chairman, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, the chief executives also resolved to enact uniform laws to deal with the almajiri phenomenon in the zone.

The member-states were equally urged to partner with federal agencies to check proliferation of light and small weapons.

They were further asked to prioritise establishment of military camps or training grounds in forest zones to contain hoodlums.

According to the governors, a well-equipped infantry is needed for a robust fight against insecurity.

“Resuscitation of peace and security committees at local government level to enhance quick decision on insecurity, crime prevention and detection,” the communiqué read in part.

The helmsmen equally stressed the need for the Nigeria Police Force to synergise with state governments in the recruitment and training of community policing officers for better security at the grassroots.

The document added: “The need to restore involvement of traditional and community leaders in intelligence gathering and sharing in order to assist security agencies in fighting the insecurity in the zone.

“The need to share Intelligence among member-states and create multi-layer intelligence gathering.”

On agriculture, the forum requested services of agro-rangers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to secure farmers and farming activities.

The governors equally resolved to look into modern ways of livestock farming through promotion of ranching and assistance to genuine farmers as well as keying into the Federal Government Livestock Transformation Plan with the proviso for states to drive the process.

They implored member-states to concentrate on infrastructure development by liaising with the central government to rehabilitate federal roads, while the states undertake their tolling.