The new Area Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for Otukpo, Benue State, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Uba Odatse, has warned vandals to steer clear of his command, saying they cannot operate under his watch.
The Otukpo NSCDC boss, gave the warning in his office on Tuesday while reacting to the illicit activities of these criminals in the area.
He observed with dismay the level of havoc the men of the underworld have done to both public and private properties in the command, warning that it has to stop as anyone caught would be dealt with.
ACC Odatse specifically identified railway lines, power and waterworks installations, public and private buildings as most affected, stressing that the unpatriotic acts of the vandals have made the services of some organisations non existent or epileptic.
“Talking about infrastructure, Otukpo I knew was orderly. People had respect for public and private facilities. Nobody dare vandalised public facilities or stole them.
“But, what do we have now? Widespread stealing and vandalism of public and private properties. Anything iron made is removed. Look at our rail lines, our NEPA and our water board equipment, our school roofs etc.
“Anything, being iron, aluminium, rubber and even wood, are ripped off by the unpatriotic citizens to satisfy their personal greed for wealth.
“All this nonsense has to stop. A new Sheriff is in town. It’s a new régime. We ‘ll be failing in our duty, if we fold our arms and watch few individuals destroying our critical national assets.
“Vandals flew here or else…” Commander Uba warned.
ACC Uba, however, appealed to members of the community to help his command in waging the war by reporting suspicious movements and acts of vandalism to his office.
The Otukpo Area commander, also hailed the recent decision of Otukpo Local Government authorities, outlawing scavenging and iron scrap business in the council, saying the move would help check vandalism, stealing and insecurity in the area.
He advised youths in the area to find alternative jobs to do instead of scavenging and stealing, stressing that Benue South has fertile land.
The Civil Defence boss, passionately appealed to public spirited individuals and organisations to assist his command with operational vehicles to ease their work as the government cannot do it all alone.
The Area Commander, used the opportunity to appreciate the officials of the NSCDC, especially, the State Commandant, Bitrus Larai, for giving him the opportunity to serve as Area Commander for Otukpo, promising not to disappoint.
The Voice reports that one hardly finds any public facility in Benue South that has not suffered one form of vandalism or theft
The Nigeria Railway Corporation, the Nigeria Television authority, the water board, the telecommunication industry, schools and places of worship, all have their sordid stories to tell.
