By Our Correspondent
The Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr Kadri Hamzat, on Sunday said that the state government has placed a high premium on the security of lives and properties.
Hamzat made the remarks said in his keynote address at a symposium organised by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit.
The theme for the symposium, held at the Nigeria Police College is “Rethinking Nigeria’s Security”.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by Dr Shittu Babatunde, said that there could not be meaningful development in any society where the security of lives and properties is not guaranteed.
He said that the government was doing everything possible to ensure the security of life and property was a fundamental responsibility of the state government.
“Lagos state government placed a premium on the security of lives and properties.
“That is why the security agents in the State are equipped with modern devices.
“The youths should join the government of the state by carrying out their civic duties,” he said.
Hamzat enjoins the residents of Lagos to unite against crime, disunity and crises.
He commended MSSN in Lagos State for contributing its quota to the narrative of insecurity and as a critical factor of governance and social economic development.
The Deputy Governor noted that the adopted theme for the seminar “speaks to the issue indeed”.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, represented by SP Raji Rabiu, called on the children from the elites and well-to-do homes to join the Police and other security agencies in Nigeria.
Alabi was of the view that such persons joining the Forces will go a long way to checking insecurity as their parents will be part of security intelligence in the country.
He also called for punishments for offenders, stressing that as long as offenders were not punished for others to see, insecurity will continue.
“If we like in this country, let us continue organising, establishing millions of security outfits, it may not work.
“Why? It is simple. As far as there is no adequate punishment for offenders, crimes will continue rising.
“As MSSN members, you are Muslims; you know what the Qu’ran says about crimes and criminals; a criminal now kills somebody unjustly, and walks around.
“Considering how much the government is spending to arrest a single criminal, see how many lives that security agencies are losing day by day during operation and at the end of the day we arrest the offender and let him go free,” he said.
Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-deen Society of Nigeria, said that there were many things responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.
He pointed out the number of persons sleeping under bridges, bus stops and uncompleted buildings, describing them as grounds for breeding criminals.
“There are citizens without homes, living under bridges; they are human beings that do not look human; they have nothing doing.
“You know them; you see them; you interact with them and there are places known for criminals hideout, but no action is being taken.
“You have an army of jobless people, everywhere jobless people, no unemployment benefit, no employment plan,” Sheikh Ahmad said.
Also speaking, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Lagos state, Mr Okoro Eweka said that security was everyone’s business, advising the youths against being used to commit the crime, particularly, during the elections.
Eweka, who was represented by the Corps Public Relations Officers in Lagos state, Mr Oluwaseun Abolurin, urged the youths to love Nigeria and work towards her betterment, rather than relocated to other countries as it seems to be the trend currently.
“Nigeria will be better in our time. Youths must support the course for a greater Nigeria,” he advised.
In his welcome remarks, the Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos Area Unit, Mallam Miftahudeen Thaani, said that the event was organised to sensitised members on the importance and need for everyone to be part of the security architecture of the country.
Thaani said that they organised the event as their contribution to the peace and security of Nigerians in view of the insecurity currently being experienced.
He called on those in authority to take the issue of insecurity more seriously while calling for all hands to be on deck.
“This programme is for advocacy on the importance of security. The youths constituted large numbers of citizens. The youths have a role to play. We should not be part of security problems in Nigeria.
“We should not join banditry, kidnapping and other crimes. Our 2023 elections will be okay if the youths resolved to make peace and do the right things.
“We should not allow ourselves to be used by politicians,” he said.
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