Sokoto State Government has called on intervention agencies to focus more of their intervention in crisis-prone communities and local government areas in the state in order to meet up with their goals.
The state deputy Governor, Engr Idris Gobir, stated this on Tuesday while playing host to members of Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) in collaboration with Office National Security Advisor.
Gobir said the state government would have loved the team to go to the grassroots where their intervention will be needed most and not the metropolitan places in the state.
He said the local government is most affected by banditry in the state especially the Eastern senatorial district deserves more of their attention than the four local governments chosen to flag off the programme in the state.
“In as much as on behalf of the state government appreciates your intervention and concern to the state in this period of insecurity, I would have love it more if the local governments choosing for the programme are from those affected by these banditry.
“The four local governments mentioned here can be described as those in the metropolis which most of the residents cannot be said to have experienced this insecurity when compared to those in the Eastern senatorial zone”.
While calling on organisation to be more concerned and open up their criteria, He said the state government is ready to give its support for the establishment of technical committee to ensure the success of the program in the state .
Earlier in her remarks, Ambassador Abbas, who led the delegation noted that, the office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) with support from ActionAid Nigeria was in the state to discuss with the government about mainstreaming of preventing/countering violent extremism (PAVE) into state action plan, security and development policies.
The visit, she explained was aimed at projecting the positive impacts of PAVE project interventions in the state and facilitate the establishment of the state Technical Working Group that would comprise representatives of state, CSOs as well as other non-state actors.
“By integrating PAVE into its framework, Sokoto state can effectively combat extremism, ensure the safety of its citizens and promote a stable, prosperous environment conducive to growth and development.
She commended the state government for remaining resolute in their pursuit to bring lasting peace in the state.
She condoled the state government over the recent murder of the District Head of Gatawa by bandits.
