By Mohammed Baba Busu
Lafia – The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has solicited the support of journalists toward the success of its efforts to promote peace and order.
Its Commandant, Alhaji Lawan Bashir, while hosting the new state officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) on Friday in Lafia, said that the media had a major role to play in mobilising Nigerians to build a stable society.
“Journalists decide what the society will hear and what people will know. They are key stakeholders in our efforts toward building a society that will promote unity and focus on development and growth,” he said.
He attributed the success recorded in the arrest of criminal elements to the proactive measures taken by the command as well as the support the NSCDC had received from the media and the general public.
The commandant said that NSCDC would work in synergy with the media to reduce crime to the barest minimum.
He stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnic, religious and political groupings, pointing out that no society could record any meaningful progress in a chaotic environment.
Bashir said that special attention was being paid to rural areas in view of their vulnerability, and urged members of the public to offer useful tips toward tracking down criminals.
Earlier, Mr Dogo Shammah, chairman of the state’s chapter of the NUJ, had said that the visit was to register the union’s readiness to support the activities of the NSCDC toward ensuring a better society.
“As watchdogs of the society, we have watched your activities and want to let you that we shall continue to support you.
“We will continue to enlighten the people on your activities and also avail you of information that will assist your men to carry out their responsibilities,” he said.