Bauchi govt beefs up security over spate of kidnappings

By Suzan Edeh

Bauchi—Following the kidnap of seven foreigners in Jama’re Local Government Area of Bauchi State last weekend, security has now been beefed up in Bauchi metropolis, especially around the Triacta Nigeria Limited, a construction company handling the Bauchi International Airport.

Sources told Vanguard that security was beefed up in the area to protect the expariates handling the airport project and other workers in the company.

“Since the kidnap incident, there had been heavy security at the Triacta Nigerai Limited because most of the people handling the project are foreigners, and the work on the airport project must go on,’’ the sources said.

However, as a result of the new security measures, security agents have mounted many check points around the state capital, a development that has led to traffic congestion as motorists now queue up at such check points before being cleared to move on.

The police have also commenced a 24- hour non-stop and search operation to ensure security of lives and property in the state.

Apart from routine police check points, anti-riot policemen and soldiers have also been stationed along major highways, especially those leading to the local government areas in the state just as motorists are being subjected to intense scrutiny.

Many commuters who were held up in road traffic around Yelwa Road,Wunti, Central Bank Road, Awala Junction, Gombe and Wunti Dada Roads, however, expressed their frustrations concerning the development, saying that it cost them important engagements and discomfort.

“I am just coming from Abuja and from Jos to Bauchi Road, the security checks were hellish. In some security check points, I spent not less than an hour. In some, I spent over two hours. This is very frustrating and to make matters worse, the hot weather has been very harsh. If you don’t have a good vehicle, the heat will be terrible and cause problems for you,’’ a commuter who simply identified himself as Mohamed said.

Reacting to the situation, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ladan said that security was intensified to forestall any breakdown of law and order, particuarly over the kidnapped seven foreignere in the state.

Ladan then appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agents by giving useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals and reduce crimes in  the society.