By correspondent in Minna.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has urgently called on security agencies, particularly the police, to enhance their presence in Minna, the state capital, and surrounding areas in response to escalating security threats.
In a communique issued after the state congress, signed by Chairman, George Daniya, Secretary, Rita Durumi, and other members of the Communique Drafting Committee, including Musa Mikail and Council Secretary Usman Chiji, the union expressed concern over the increasing criminal activities in the state.
They expressed concern that security situation in the state capital had worsened with criminals taking control of key areas such as City Gate, Kpakungu, Mobil Roundabout, Obasanjo Shopping Complex, Central Market Flyover, and Barkin Sale.
The journalists noted that these criminals target victims at night, using dangerous weapons to rob them of their belongings.
They particularly called on Commissioner of Police in the state to deploy more officers to the metropolis and surrounding areas, such as Zuma Rock in Suleja, Suleja township, Minna-Kontagora road, and the bandit-prone local government areas of Mariga, Rafi, Munya, and Shiroro.
According to them,the call for increased security presence became imperative to reducing the frequent attacks on vulnerable targets, including travelers.
On road accidents,NUJ also expressed concern on the rising number of accidents on the Suleja-Izom road, which they noted had claimed numerous lives.
The communique called on the government to address the root causes of these accidents and urged the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to deploy officers to high-risk areas for better traffic management.
The union , however ,commended Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his developmental initiatives but emphasized the need for improved monitoring and supervision of ongoing road construction projects in Minna.
To ease the challenges faced by residents, the union requested that contractors provide alternative routes before blocking existing ones and speed up work on the projects to alleviate traffic congestion.
The NUJ also called for urgent and coordinated efforts from both security agencies and government authorities to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents in Minna and beyond.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
