Kaduna: Boys’ Brigade tasks Govt to intensify fight against insecurity, unemployment

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

Voluntary Christian Uniform Youths’ Organisation, the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Kudensa Battalion Council, has called on the Federal and State governments to intensify their efforts in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminal activities in Kaduna State.

The Christian Youths made the call alongside other key stakeholders of the group on Monday, during the parade programme held in Maraban Rido in Chikun Local Government to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd year independence.

The Patron, Boys’ Brigade Nigeria,  Kudensa Elder Joel Yohanna while addressing newsmen shortly after the event, said insecurity in the area has destabilised everything because the programme usually should have men of the Nigeria Military, alongside other organisations to mark the event, but reverse was the case.

Yohanna stressed that the Boys’ Brigade deemed it fit to organise the parade in solidarity with the hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria, stating that government must do everything humanly possible to secure the lives and properties of Kaduna residents as enshrined in the Nigeria’s 1999 constitutional amendment.

He also lamented the rate of unemployment in the country, mentioning that most of their members are graduates but has nothing to do to better their lives, despite the high cost of living presently in the Country.

In his remarks, the former Vice President of Boy’s Brigade, Kaduna State Council, who served as officer of the parade, Rev. Peter Tarfa, said the insecurity challenges was gradually building up again, urging the  government to tackle it before it gets out of hand.

Tarfa said, “Our leaders should help to tackle the insecurity that we are battling with because the kidnapping is on the increase now.

“We trust God for a better Nigeria that God will put his fear in the heart of our leaders that they will do the right thing especially the hardship that the nation is going through. Our leaders should do the right thing so that the masses can enjoy.”

Also, the Assistant Parade Commander, Racheal Ibrahim, who led the parade, spoke on the need for government to wake up to their responsibilities and deliver their constitutional mandates.

She disclosed that the kidnapping in Maraban Rido, Kamazou and other neighbouring communities, in recent time is worrisome, advocating for government to come to their aid.

Racheal said, “Nigeria is 63 years. We appreciate God for sparing our lives despite all that has been happening especially this our axis Kamazou, Maraban Rido we have not been stable because of kidnapping.

“We are not happy about is happening but we thank God for everything. We just pray that God will spare our lives for a better Nigeria. Meanwhile, for us to be able to have a better Nigeria, our leaders need to listen to us at the grassroot. If they can do that, they will be able to know our plights and respond accordingly. I want to believe that they are aware but to put it into action is a challenge.

“Most of us in the boys brigade are graduates, but no job, no empowerment but we keep looking for menial job to keep life together. We pray that the new government at 63 will be stable and be able to atleast make impact in the lives of the unemployed youths,” she said.

One of the boys who participated in the parade, Michael Earnest, 10-years old said he is proud to be a Nigerian because the nation had great potentials alongside her natural resources.

Michael said, “I feel very happy that Nigeria is celebrating independence, today. The breath of life alone is worth celebrating.

“I am proud of Nigeria because the country has great potentials. My Prayer is that God will bring a helper even though it’s a baby so that we can be set free from this bondage of kidnapping. May God touch the heart of kidnappers so they can change for good.”