The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, on Thursday signed into law the bill creating the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.
The state House of Assembly had on December 21 approved the governor’s proposal to establish a community guards corps in the state.
Speaking while signing the bill into law at the Government House, the governor said his administration came up with the idea to support the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in providing adequate security for the populace.
He added that the outfit was not to rival the police.
Aliyu said, “The signing into law of this Sokoto Community Guard Corps is a very important milestone in the lives of this administration.
“As we are all aware, Sokoto State is facing insecurity, especially banditry, thereby destabilising the peaceful nature the state is known for.
“Indeed, we pledge to do everything humanly possible to maintain peace and security in the state.
The creation of this security guard corps is geared towards supplementing the efforts of conventional security outfits to protect the lives and property of the people, especially at the grassroots.
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“Let me say here clearly that the community guard corps is not Sokoto police; it is not a force created by the Sokoto State government.”
He called on security agencies to support the community guard crops as they were there to assist in the drive to achieve a safe state.
The governor added, “Security agencies, please you should know that they are not your rivals; they are there to assist you, to give you all necessary support and information from their localities.
“Let me, at this junction, reiterate our administration’s commitment in the area of security to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people of the state.”