Body calls for security awareness to curb insurgency challenges

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for security awareness among Nigerians to curb insurgency in the country.

Mr Mike Omeri, the Director-General of the Agency, made the call during a security awareness campaign held at the palace of Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, the Gomo of Kuje, FCT.

The programme with the theme, "Communicating Early Warning Signs and Alert Preparedness’’ was organised by NOA to enlighten Nigerians on the need for them to live in safe and peaceful environments.

Omeri, who was represented by Mr Solomon Ado, Director of Administration in the agency, said the campaign was necessary in view of the increasing security challenges facing the nation.

"We have to be security conscious; watch who our neighbours and friends are because they can be the enemies.

"Communicating with security agencies is necessary; when you suspect anything, please report to the authorities.

"Accident scenes are not the right places to learn; so, avoid such places, especially, when such accidents have just occurred,’’ he said.

In his response, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, the Gomo of Kuje, said he was happy that NOA brought its campaign to Kuje.

"There is, indeed, no better time than now to organize such a programme.

"This is because the age-long peace and harmony the people used to enjoy here have been truncated by the recent bomb blast and many individuals seriously traumatised.

"We must be security conscious and live in peace, irrespective, of our social, political, ethnic and religious differences,’’ Jibrin said.

He called on all traditional rulers to liaise and work in tandem with their subjects for the peace and unity of their areas.

Also, Mr Emmanuel Morgaji, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Kuje Local Area Council, said that the programme was a welcomed development.

Morgaji said the council would ensure that such an ugly incident does not repeat itself in future while he advised the public to avoid crowded places when necessary.

"The casualties from the Kuje blast increased because people gathered at the first blast-scene which was not far from where the second one exploded.

"Crowded areas are soft targets for these criminals, so the general public should put their safety first when they are in a crowded place,’’ Morgaji said.