Bagudu: Communities must support security agencies — government can’t do everything

Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi state, says communities must support the police and other security agencies in their efforts to curb the rising insecurity in the country.

Speaking with journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa on Thursday, Bagudu said residents in communities should try to be more understanding in relation to security operations.

According to the governor, security agencies sometimes don’t have the required logistics to carry out their duties, and as such, communities should support in ways they can.

“We urge vigilance and support for security agencies. Security agencies are doing a great job, but they are also human beings. They need a lot of support,” he said.

“They need a lot of community support for information. They need a lot of community support for understanding, because sometimes, we are all in a hurry when we are facing challenges. But the security agencies also have modus operandi.

“Sometimes, they get risk reports in places that 500 people are coming to attack and maybe the local divisional police officer can only mobilise 20 people. Already, that confronts him with a challenge.

“So, they need truthful information. They need synergy with vigilante groups and community groups so that they can continue to respond more appropriately. Sometimes, they need support with logistics.

“Communities hardly reflect on all the logistic needs of security agencies. The government will never be able to provide enough. Much is being done, but it will never be enough for communities.

“I’m sure in all communities, there are people who can support the police.”

The governor also spoke on access to fertiliser for farmers, adding that the high exchange rate is affecting availability.

“The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative has been complicated by the changes in exchange rate,” Bagudu said.

“When it was started about four years ago, the official exchange rate was N305 to $1. Now, the official exchange rate is about N400, which is close to 25 percent increase.

“But the President has directed the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative chairman, the office of the vice-president, and the ministry of agriculture to examine how fertiliser can still be made available as close to the N5,000 selling price as possible.

“It may not be N5,000 but as close as possible, even if that involves subsidising.”