The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called on the Federal Government to deploy technology in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
Its Amir (President), Alhaji Abdul Bangbala, spoke at its quarterly state of the nation address following Igueben train station attack in Edo State.
He said it is disturbing that barely a month after operations resumed on Abuja-Kaduna corridor, another attack occurred in Edo.
“That such a facility was bare of adequate security suggests the authorities and stakeholders did not learn from the Kaduna incident.
‘’Now is the time for the authorities to deploy all-inclusive and sustainable security systems at train stations and other sensitive public infrastructure.
“The buck stops at the table of the President, and while it is reassuring President Muhammadu Buhari has called for action against perpetrators of terrorism, the redemptive drive must include the demand for results from security chiefs and sanctioning those found ineffectual in their duties.
“We urge the Federal Government to ensure its arsenal is deployed with appropriate technology in taking out criminals in their hideouts and to forestall recurrence.
‘’We acknowledge the military onslaught against insurgency and banditry in the North. Without doubt, Boko Haram and bandits have been greatly subdued lately and we believe final victory against error is within sight,” he said.
The congress condemned attacks on offices and facilities of Independent National Electoral commission.
Serial arson and violence against INEC, especially in Southeast, Bangbala said, have resulted in destruction of vital equipment and buildings, with loss of lives.
“We urge government to prevent disruptions of the polls. It is only when security agencies fish out and prosecute masterminds of the attacks that peaceful and credible elections can hold. We call on the authorities to deploy intelligence, special operations and law enforcement to nip the menace in the bud,” he said.