The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has condemned in strong terms the killing of security officials in the country.
The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abdullahi, yesterday, said the incessant ambushing and killing of the nation’s security men, especially the police is not only disturbing but worrisome.
“The development puts the entire citizenry in danger. In spite of the strenuous efforts of the Police and the Nigerian Army in nipping-in-bud acts of criminality, the trend shows escalation of wanton destruction of lives of the security officials and the people.
“Some days ago, seven policemen who were on patrol were ambushed and shot dead at Galadimawa Axis of Abuja FCT. On Saturday 14th July, four policemen were killed by armed robbers at Sabongida-Ora in Edo State. They also dumped the corpses of their victims in the police van and burnt them.
“Just yesterday, some criminals terrorising Kaduna State in the Birnin-Gwari Axis engaged the Police in gun-duel and killed two policemen in the encounter.”
The group however called on the federal and state governments to redouble their efforts in curbing crime waves. It further urged the police to retrain its officers, strengthen its intelligence and information gathering to combat crime in the society.
“Firing powers of the police patrol team must be stronger than that of the criminals. Other logistics must be in place adequately to curb the menace of criminality most of which are committed at night through midnights.
“We call on citizens to help law enforcement agents with confidential information regularly that could lead to elimination of criminals wherever they are,” the group said.
In another development, the MMWG has applauded the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for the closure of Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation.
The media house was shut on Saturday following its announcement of fake result of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.
“It would be recalled that few days to the election, the Chief Executive of Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation Mr Lere Olayinka had earlier been directed by the NBC to vacate the office following his acceptance of political appointment of Director of Campaign of PDP gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Olusola Eleka.
“The media organization was also fined N500, 000 by the NBC for violating the law of political broadcast – all before the election.”
The MMWG National Coordinator said the action of the broadcast station if not checked is capable of causing political disorder, chaos and breakdown of law and order.
The group therefore commended the NBC, Director General, Modibbo Is-haq Kawu for the bold step to avoid loss of lives and property in Ekiti.
The group urged the Federal Government to empower the NBC with sufficient manpower, equipment and funds to face the enormous task of February, 2019 General Elections.
