Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has declared that bandit terrorists have been silenced across twelve local council of the state.
TrackNews recalls that Governor Bello had earlier made a public announcement that terrorist groups including the dreaded Boko Haram, bandits and kidnappers have taken over at least 12 LGAs in the state.
He lamented the situation and assured residents of his government’s commitment to deal with the situation with the help of security agencies.
Governor Bello who spoke last week Saturday during a visit on Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, at the Gwada camp, Shiroro LG, Bello revealed that 12 councils out of 25 have been affected by the activities of the criminals.
He assured the IDPs at the camp that efforts are ongoing to ensure that they return to their homes and to also enable them commence farming with the rainy season approaching.
He noted that the people are predominantly farmers and their failure to farm could have adverse effects on the state and the country at large.
“Unfortunately in Niger state, close to 12 LGAs have been affected by banditry activities. We started with three, then five, then eight and now close to twelve.
“Most of these LGAs produce a substantial amount of food because they are mostly farmers, they have very fertile grounds and all they do is farming. We must not allow this to happen. We must do all it takes so that they will go back to their various homes and farms and I hope we can achieve this before the rains come,” the governor stated.
The Governor during the visit also interacted with the people, directed the provision of more basic facilities at the camp to avert the spread of disease.
He then assured the people of the government’s unwavering determination in ensuring that all IDPs return to their ancestral homes.
However, speaking today Thursday while playing guest on Arise TV in Abuja, Governor Bello said security has been beefed up in the affected areas and locals would be able to return to their homes soon.
According to him, the presence of security operatives in the affected local government areas have significantly reduced the attacks except for isolated cases in the councils.
Bello said: “I am optimistic that before the rains sets in, the menace would be addressed to enable our people go back to their homes and to their farms.”
