The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has cautioned residents of Gwoza Local Government Area against collaborating with terrorists, urging communities to expose informants and anyone providing support to criminal elements.
Ndume issued the warning during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Gwoza on Sunday, where he met with the traditional ruler, youths and other stakeholders.
He later proceeded to Bulabulin/Gwoza-Wakani ward, where he obtained his All Progressives Congress (APC) digital membership card.
The lawmaker said the visit was aimed at mobilising residents for the ongoing APC electronic registration and the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration exercise, as well as discussing prevailing security challenges in the area.
Addressing participants at a consultative meeting held at the emir’s palace, Ndume stressed that communities must take responsibility for their own safety by identifying and exposing individuals who give information or assistance to terrorists.
“We will not tolerate anyone serving as an informant. Anyone found wanting will be dealt with decisively. You cannot live among your people and betray them,” he said.
The senator also expressed concern over rising drug abuse and other social vices in Gwoza, revealing that he had engaged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the problem.
On education, Ndume encouraged youths to enrol at the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, assuring that efforts were being made to support access to education for underprivileged students.
In his remarks, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, warned that development could not thrive in communities plagued by drug abuse, calling on parents, traditional institutions and youths to work collectively to curb the menace.
