Religious organisations in Bauchi State have called for the re-positioning of traditional institutions to enable play its role in the current fight against terrorism in the country.

Representatives of the organisations made the call in Bauchi on Saturday during a Town Hall Meeting, organised by a Bauchi-based non-governmental organisation, Iqra Foundation for Youth and Women Development (IFYWD).

They observed that the institution, which used to be vibrant and helpful in ensuring that peace reigned in communities, had been relegated to the background.

Secretary, Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bauchi, Mrs. Doris Vengji, noted that traditional rulers, being stakeholders in community development, could play key role in the identification of bonafide members of their community.

According to her, each Ward Head knows who comes into the area to settle and therefore has vital information that can be helpful in case of security breach.

The President, Muslim Students Society, (MSS) Bauchi State Chapter, Malam Aliyu Abubakr, said that so long as traditional rulers remain alienated, certain security challenges would be difficult to address.

Also contributing during the meeting, a member of the MSS, Malam Mohammed Garba, called for the bridging of the communication gap between the youth and security agents.

He suggested that the Nigerian Police should create forum for dialogue at community level.

The Chairman, Youth Wing, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Simon Solomon, called on the members of the public to respect societal the norms and values.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate Police Division, Muhammed Musa, said that already, the Police in Bauchi had set up Police Community Relation Committee in various communities across the state to enhance cordial relationship with members of the communities.

He assured the youths that the police would protect the identity of any person that volunteered information helpful in ensuring the protection of lives and property.

Village head of TudunYarima in Bauchi, Alhaji Husainin Othman reminded youths that they had a key role to play in ensuring the development of the state and the country at large.

He stressed that the responsibility of ensuring the security of the people started from the head of every household, and therefore called for house synergy among all stakeholders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting was ‘Bridging the gap between Police, Criminal Justice sector and Youths in the state.’ (NAN)

•Photo shows Boko Haram terrorists.

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