Oche, Stakeholders Push for Enhanced Security Collaboration in Ado LGA

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, alongside stakeholders from the area, has called for stronger synergy between his council and the state’s security outfit, the Civil Protection Guards (CPG), to tackle the growing security challenges in the locality.

Oche made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, PSP, in his office on Friday. He led the delegation, which included members of the Ezza Ezekuna People’s Patriotic Congress (EEPPC), a notable socio-cultural organisation in the local government.
According to him, the visit was aimed at appreciating the efforts of the CPG in maintaining peace in Ado, while also seeking enhanced collaboration to address the evolving security threats in the area.
He noted that insecurity has been hindering his efforts to replicate the developmental strides of his principal, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, despite his strong commitment to eliminating crime in the local government.
Oche explained that his strategic collaboration with the local security framework, particularly the CPG, has significantly boosted the morale of security personnel due to their strength in numbers and availability, thereby improving their efficiency in safeguarding lives and property in Ado LGA.
The Chairman commended the CPG for their handling of a recent kidnapping incident and other criminal activities in the area. He recalled that nine Catholic Church worshippers were abducted by bandits who invaded from neighbouring states but were later rescued unharmed without any ransom, thanks to the efforts of the security outfit.
He also appreciated the Ezza Ezekuna People’s Patriotic Congress for their support toward security operations, noting that the group recently donated two combat motorcycles to the CPG to improve their mobility.
Oche further called for intensified collaboration to curb emerging security threats, including cattle rustling affecting local farmers, kidnapping, and banditry.
In his response, the Security Adviser, Chief Joseph Har, commended the CPG personnel in Ado for their impressive performance.
He observed that Ado’s proximity to neighbouring states like Ebonyi State and Kogi State makes it vulnerable to shifting criminal activities, stressing the need for continuous training and retraining of security personnel to effectively respond to evolving tactics.
Har also highlighted the need to recruit more personnel, noting that the current workforce is insufficient to adequately cover the terrain of Ado Local Government Area.
He lauded the contributions of the Ezza Ezekuna People’s Patriotic Congress and urged them, as well as other groups, to sustain their support for security initiatives. He emphasized that ensuring security is a collective responsibility and should not be left solely in the hands of the government.
He assured that once necessary arrangements are concluded, a training team will be deployed to further enhance the capacity of the personnel.