The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had handled 254 cases in Kogi state in 2016.
Mr Everestus Obiyo, NSCDC Commandant in the state, made the disclosure at a news briefing in his office on Friday in Lokoja.
He said that the 254 cases included pipeline vandalism, mischief, theft, illegal possession of fire arms, criminal bridge of trust and house breaking.
Others, according to the Commandant , included vandalism of electrical installation and other critical assets, threat to life and property, negligence in relation to animals as well as other civil related cases, among others.
“I wish to inform you that out of the 254 cases; 15 cases were fully prosecuted, 10 victims sentenced, 5 others discharged, while 40 cases are ongoing in court.
“Forty-eight cases are still under investigations, 49 civil cases treated and disposed, while 102 cases of community misunderstandings and marital related cases were successfully mediated and resolved by Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit of the Command,” Obiyo said.
He said that the command also recorded notable achievements in the successful implementation of fuel price regime and monitoring of fuel tankers to avoid diversion,.
Obiyo said that arrest of trucks loaded with crude oil at Okene and Girinya, destruction and burning of illegal refineries at Ebie in Ajaokuta LGA were also some of the activities undertaken by the commission.
“Of remarkable achievement is the settlement of age-long community crises in Ibaji Local Government Area, between Ikah-Ireku and Ujeh communities.
“In tackling the herdsmen/farmers clashes, we also met with the relevant stakeholders and resolutions were reached with strong assurances of implementation by all parties involved.
“In addition, we have also collaborated with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to protect mineral sites and movement of products to ensure conformity with laid down rules and regulations,” the commandant said.
He advised youths to desist from criminalities and engage themselves in various windows of opportunities created by the government.
Obiyo said such opportunities were provided by the wave of economic diversification by the State’s government.
He said that the corps has no sympathy for crimes and criminals.
Obiyo also commended Gov. Yahaya Bello, other security agencies, the press and the residents for their tremendous support and encouragement towards the success of the command in 2016.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to address the challenges of accommodation, shortage of personnel and lack of operational vehicles for Divisional Offices for effective service delivery.
The commandant called on the general public to willingly assist the command with useful information to enhance the delivery of the mandate of the corps.
(NAN)
