NGO Sensitizes Transporters, Security Over Risk Operations, Peace Building

Some of the participants at the meeting held in Damaturu

From JOE Hemba

 Taimaiko Community Development Initiative(TCDI)in partnership with Northeast Connection and PWAN yesterday brought together local transporters within Damaturu to sensitize them on the risk associated with their operations as well as their roles in bringing peace and security in the community. 

The meeting which comprised the leadership and participants of Keke NAPEP operators, Intra-township Taxi Drivers, Yobe State Road Transport Agency (YOROTA), National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corp. Civil Defense, People with Disabilities, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency was held at the Submit Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State.

 According to the organizers, the meeting which has its theme; “Unveiling the Role of Keke NAPEP Riders and Taxi Drivers in the Restoration of Peace and Security in Damaturu, Yobe State” became necessary so as to chat a way forward in respect of the high risk of crimes associated with these local transporters. 

The representative of the Executive Director, TCDI, Mammud Abdullahi Na’Allah explained that the main goal of the meeting was to create synergy and linkages of mitigating the high risks of crimes that are associated with their members and the sustenance of peace within their locality.

 “As a community based NGO involved in peace-building and security, we decided to bring these groups together to foster ways of collaboration and synergy on the need to mitigate the high risks of crimes that are associated with their operations within the locality,” Na’ Allah said.

 Mr. Na’Allah recalled how the ban on the use of motorcycle by the state government as a result of increased Boko Haram activities in 2012 has brought a serious challenge to the youths in the state. 

He noted that the program which is funded by USAID is targeting about 70 across the political wards in Damaturu including, Pawari, Gwange, Pompomari, and Nasarawa wards. 

A cross section of some of the participants at the meeting held in Damaturu

Also speaking, a Consultant with TCDI Dr. Umar Labaran Bashir noted that the gradual return of peace in the Northeast region is unfortunately giving birth to the rise of armed banditry and other crimes like kidnapping with the support of some of the transporters, hence the need to constantly engage them in peace building forums. 

He noted that, “TCDI in its efforts through Creative Associated with Funding from USAID and support from Northeast Connection find the need through series of research discovered that the high rate of crime committed within the community is as a result of the few members of the union participating in committing the crime. 

“This can be mitigated through activities like this which will improve understanding of the risk factor associated with their work as most people in the community hide under the unions to commit crimes,” Mr. Bashir said.

Share: