The Yobe security council has called on traditional and religious leaders to support the government’s efforts toward entrenching peace and security.

This was mentioned in a statement by Mamman Mohammed, spokesman for Governor Mai Mala Buni’ on Tuesday.

The statement said the call was made at the council’s meeting chaired by Buni on Tuesday to review the state’s security following the recent nationwide protest.

It said the council noted with dismay how hoodlums hid under the guise of the protest to engage in looting and destruction of property in Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru.

“The council cautioned parents and guardians to always monitor their wards and not to allow them to be used as agents of destruction and looting.

“The Council recognised everyone as a stakeholder in peacebuilding and should support security agencies with timely and useful information on all suspicious persons and movements in their localities.

“Similarly, the public is hereby advised to be vigilant and report cases of illicit transactions, including trafficking, sales and consumption of prohibited drugs,” the government said.

It said the governor had commended the security organisations in the state for handling the protest maturely and professionally.

“The governor assured the security agencies of continuous support from the state government with a call for a proactive approach. The state is emerging out of protracted security challenges and can not afford to accommodate any new forms of violence and insecurity.

“The Heads of the security agencies assured the government of increased dedication to ensure sustainable security across the state,” noted the statement.

It added that Mr Buni directed that the curfew earlier imposed on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru be further relaxed from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., following improvements in the security situation in the areas.

(NAN)