Niger State
governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has cautioned Youth Volunteer groups,
especially those affiliated with religious bodies not to militarise their
members but to operate within the confines of the law.
He frowned
at the display of military simulation exercise by a youth volunteer groups in a
statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace in Minna
on Saturday.
He observed
that volunteer groups are deviating from their primary function of ensuring
orderliness at the gatherings especially during Sunday Service in Churches and
the Friday Jumat prayers in Mosques to acquiring military training and
practice.
"Volunteer
groups are to operate within the letters and the intent of the law. These
groups to the best of my knowledge are to help ensure orderliness during
congregational prayers, direct and ensure free flow of human and vehicular
traffic before, during and after Jumat prayers on Fridays and Church services
on Sundays.
"The
growing and disturbing trend that I have noticed across the divide is the
militarisation of these groups. They are now being drilled in the act of using
arms and carrying gun."
"Instead
of indoctrinating them into the use of arms, we have to inculcate the values
and virtues of peace into the psyche of our youth. Let them embrace peace and
live it."
"The
use of wood as gun for parade is uncalled for. All these military simulation
should be discouraged. These are young boys and in some cases girls are engaged
too. Their minds are tender, we should build them up to embrace peace and
orderliness as a way of life. This will help guarantee a more united and
peaceful society," the governor advised.
Governor
Sani Bello assured Nigerlites of his determination to ensuring peace and
security in the state and urged all stakeholders to support government's
resolve in that direction.
Jibrin Baba
Ndace
Chief Press
Secretary
Niger State
Government House
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