Assistant Commander General of Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service (NHFSS) in charge of Technical Services, Amb. Johnny Chukwudi Metchie has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently sign the Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill into law, saying it is a sure way of deterring terrorists and other criminal elements from using the forests to commit atrocities against the people of Nigeria.
Terrorists had, on Saturday, attacked a railway station in Igueben Council of Edo State and kidnapped a score of passengers waiting to board a train to Warri in Delta State. Several others sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident on Monday via a statement, Metchie said it has become an urgent matter for President Buhari to assent to a piece of legislation with a view to empowering forest guards to bear arms and effectively protect farms and forests as obtained in many other countries.
He recalled that the two Chambers of the National Assembly had passed and transmitted the bill for the President’s assent.
The Assistant Commander General noted that one of the most sustainable ways to curb banditry and terrorism was to recruit, arm and empower young men and women as hunters and forest guards to make it difficult for criminals to operate from the forests.
Metchie, who doubles as African Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, expressed hope that when the bill is signed into law, the Hunters and Forestry Security Service would take safeguard the forests nationwide.
According to Metchie, who is also the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), one of the greatest legacies Buhari could leave behind is to sign the bill into law to boost the fight against insecurity.
He said: “The incident that happened in Edo last Saturday, where many passengers waiting to board a train were attacked and abducted is very unfortunate and regrettable.
“While I condemn the dastardly act and sympathise with victims and their families, I want to use this opportunity to call on President Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, sign the Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill into law. The bill is before Mr President just waiting for his assent.
“I have lived in many countries, including those in Europe, the United States, Canada and others. In these countries, even in South Africa, the forests are protected by forest guards and hunters. And this helps tremendously in curbing activities of criminals especially those that use the forests as hideouts to carry out nefarious activities.”
