Police beef up security ahead of Jonahan’s visit to Damaturu

Damaturu – The Yobe Police Command said it had beefed up security in and around Damaturu ahead of the state visit by President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday.

Alhaji Sanusi Rufa’i, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe, told newsmen in Damaturu on Wednesday that “teams of mobile policemen have been deployed to the state to reinforce the security on ground.

“We are determined and working towards a peaceful and hitch-free presidential visit to the state.’’

The commissioner said the command had deployed its personnel to all the nooks and crannies of the state capital.

“Although we now enjoy relative peace, we will leave no stone unturned to provide adequate security for the presidential visit and the people.

“We have adequate manpower and logistics to ensure a peaceful visit. We implore the public to conduct their lawful businesses, remain law-abiding and cooperate with the security agencies.’’

In Damaturu, Jonathan is scheduled to inaugurate the state university, the dual carriageway ring road, 300 housing units and an ultra-modern hospital.

Alhaji Ago Dala, the Commissioner for Housing, said government constructed 1, 179 housing units from 2007 to date in compliance with the Millennium Development Goals’ target on housing.

“The houses were sold out to people on owner/occupier basis with 65 per cent subsidy. This means, beneficiaries are paying only 35 per cent of the cost price of the houses.

“The state housing programme was designed to shift from house renting to house ownership with little stress.

“As a matter of policy, Yobe Government offsets outstanding balance of houses for families of deceased persons,’’ he said.

Alhaji Lawan Shettima, the Commissioner for Works, said the 18 km dual carriageway ring road had led to decongestion of traffic on the Maiduguri-Kano federal highway. (NAN)