Insecurity: NOA Urges Kebbi Residents To Shun Protests, Back Security Agencies

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Kebbi State has appealed to residents of the state to shun any planned protest over security challenges, warning that such action would compound the situation and distract security agencies.

By Umar Faruk

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Kebbi State has appealed to residents of the state to shun any planned protest over security challenges, warning that such action would compound the situation and distract security agencies.

The State Director of the agency, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, made the appeal in a statement issued over the weekend in Birnin Kebbi. Karofi urged the people of the state to remain calm and exercise restraint in the face of the security situation, saying that resorting to street protests at this critical time would not help matters. "Resorting to public protests at this critical time will only exacerbate and compound the situation, making security efforts unappreciated by the public and creating unnecessary distractions for security agencies on the ground," he said.

The NOA director also cautioned residents against spreading unverified reports and scary rumours capable of creating panic across communities. He said circulating false information would only embolden bandits, who he noted attack indiscriminately, killing both innocent citizens and security personnel who lay down their lives in defence of the country.

Karofi said instead of demoralising the security forces, the public should encourage and support them, especially when they suffer losses in the line of duty. "The public needs to encourage them, support them, and sympathize with them in the event of any adversity," he stated.
The agency commiserated with families who lost their loved ones to insecurity, praying that collective resilience would strengthen public confidence in the authorities to win the fight against insecurity. "We express our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray that our collective resilience will reinforce our belief in the authorities and confidence in winning the fight against insecurity," Karofi said.

He commended Governor Nasir Idris for his sustained efforts to secure the state and for his commitment to addressing the plight of displaced persons, including facilitating their safe return to their ancestral homes. "We commend Governor Nasir for his untiring efforts to secure the length and breadth of Kebbi State, particularly his commitment to addressing the plight of displaced persons, including facilitating their immediate and safe return to their normal places of abode," he added.

Karofi called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and youth organisations to propagate the message of peace, vigilance and solidarity across all parts of the state. "We urge all traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, and youth organizations to propagate this message of peace, vigilance, and solidarity across the state," he said.