Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Katsina to partner with military, security agenices to tackle insecurity- Masari

James Danjuma, Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari says his administration will continue to partner with the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies, to tackle banditry, rustling, kidnapping and related criminality in the state.

Governor Masari said the state which had gone through harrowing periods in the hands of bandits and criminals, was experiencing relative peace; thanks to efforts of the security agencies in combating the menace.

He stated this yesterday at the Peoples Square, opposite Government House during an event to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the state.

Masari, who was the guest of honour at the event, assured that the state would not relent in its efforts at ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.

Speaking, the governor expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Katsina state to the commanders, officers, soldiers and airmen of 17 Brigade Nigerian Army and 213 Nigerian Air Force Forward Operating Base for their untiring sacrifice towards securing lives and properties of the citizens of Katsina state.

“The relative peace experienced now in this state is largely attributed to the dedication, professional competence and discipline of our brothers and sisters serving in the military and other sister security agencies.

“The relationship between the military and the host community has remained cordial and l urge you to maintain this laudable standard.

“The government of Katsina state remains resolute in its drive towards assisting the armed forces and other security agencies at preventing and subsequently eliminating acts of banditry and criminality in this state.

“I assure you of my commitment and that of Katsina state government at supporting the military and other security agencies in the state to ensure that Katsina retain its rightful place in the committee of states as a peaceful, accommodating and progressive state in the federation,” he added.

In a related development, the Nigerian Army has treated 120 patients for various ailments as part of events to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the state.

The treatment was carried out at the Peoples Square where a parade and laying of wreath were also held in honour of personnel of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.

Those treated during the medical outreach included legionnaires and residents of communities neighboring the 35 Batallion and the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in the state.

It was gathered that beneficiaries of the outreach were treated for ailments that include cough, malaria, eyesight problems, and high blood pressure, while a few received COVID-19 vaccination.

An officer who was part of the medical outreach team and attended the event said the medical programme would continue through Saturday.

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The officer who pleaded for anonymity said, “So far, we have treated no fewer than 120 people and more are still coming and we are continuing the treatment throughout Saturday as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Nigerian Army.”

The event saw a parade held by the personnel of the Nigerian Army, Airforce and members of the legionnaires in the state as well as the firing of three gunshots into the air in honour of the fallen armed forces personnel.

Governor Masari also led other dignitaries to lay wreaths and release pigeons in honour of the fallen heroes shortly after prayers were said for the repose of their souls.