By Sadiq Abubakar and Yahaya Idris, Nasarawa.
The Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha in Toto local government area of Nasarawa state, His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, has called on his subjects to defend themselves against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorising the Kingdom.
Alhaji Abdullahi, made the call while speaking with newsmen shortly after he joined other Muslims to observed two raka’at prayers at Eid prayer ground to mark the Eid-el-kabir celebration in the area on Tuesday.
He said despite efforts by the state government to tackle insecurity across the state, activities of armed bandits and kidnappers has been causing nightmare to his people, saying the only option was for his people to defend themselves against the criminals.
“We can’t leave the issue of security in the hands of the government alone, my advise is that my people, including our women should stand firm and defend themselves against these bandits, kidnappers and other criminals that has been causing us a sleepless night,” he said.
He also lamented over the falling standard of education in his kingdom, saying the kingdom has no qualified teachers at primary and secondary levels.
The monarch therefore urged residents of the area to continue to live in peace and harmony with each, even as he cautioned the youth engaging in any form of social vices in the area.
Also speaking, the speaker of the state house assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, called on people of the area to be committed to prayers in order for the country to overcome security challenges.
He also urged the youth not to allowed any politician to use them to cause confusion that will degenerate to break down of law and order, while he advised them to be law abiding to constituted authorities.
