Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has vowed by no means to barter with bandits or pay ransom for kidnapped victims, saying as an alternative residents should be ready to defend themselves in opposition to assaults.
The governor made the disclosure, when he visited the individuals of Rijau and Magama Native Authorities Areas of the state, whose communities had been lately attacked by bandits in Kontagora.
The governor mentioned, “The state has reached a degree the place the individuals should arise and defend themselves as a result of ransom will solely flip kidnapping right into a thriving enterprise.
“I cannot negotiate with bandits. I cannot pay ransom. The second we begin paying, they’ll open store on our heads and proceed kidnapping individuals. The state of affairs has reached a state of warfare that requires collective resistance.
“We’re surrounded by enemies, however we is not going to hand over. The structure offers us the fitting to defend our lives and property, and we are going to do exactly that. There isn’t a going again.”
Describing as “embarrassing and unacceptable” the frequent invasions of communities and the displacement of residents, Bago introduced plans by his administration to recruit and practice 10,000 members into the Joint Activity Pressure, JTF, to assist restore safety throughout the state.
An announcement by his Particular Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, mentioned the governor has additionally declared a complete ban on all mining actions throughout Zone C of the state, masking eight native authorities areas of Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu and Agwara.
He mentioned, “Unlawful mining has grow to be one of many main drivers of insecurity within the space, with miners typically accessing forest zones unhurt whereas residents endure repeated assaults.
“It’s suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, but the bandits don’t contact them. I’ve now ordered the Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to arrest anybody caught participating in mining actions.”
The governor assured victims of latest assaults that his administration would supply assist, together with compensation for households of these killed, medical remedy for the injured, and help for individuals who misplaced their sources of livelihood.