Most of the bandits terrorizing parts of the country are from outside Nigeria, Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has claimed
The governor added that “Nigerians must try their best not make them succeed in forcing us to change our normal lives”.
Bello stated this on Monday as he released about 1000 combined security agents to ensure the rescue of the 136 abducted students from Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state.
Most of these Bandits are from outside the country,” he said in his address to the agents.
“They are hired to cause problems for us. It is not the habit of the true Fulani to indulge in this kind of act.”
The agencies comprise the military, police, civil defence and vigilantes.
After a visit to some parents of the abducted children, Bello assured them that the government resolve to take decisive measures in ensuring the safe return of the children.
“These bandits are well organised and coordinated. We can not fold our arms anymore but to take decisive and necessary steps to apprehend those involved, both the informants and the bandits.
“They started by displacing farmers from their farmlands. Next they moved to burning farms, then moved to kidnappings and forcing us to close our schools. Now they have started attacking Islamic schools, only God knows what is next,” the governor said.
Bello who earlier met with parents of the 136 kidnapped students of the Islammiya School and other stakeholders at the palace of the Emir of Kagara, Alh. Ahmed Garba Gunna, commiserated with them and urged them to exercise patience as government is exploring all avenues to see to their safe rescue.
He added, “Even though we have ruled out payment of ransom, it is time for government to take decisive measures towards ending the bandits activities that is forcefully changing the lives of the people especially in the rural areas.
“The abductors are not honest. They are not honourable. After agreeing with parents they started shifting goal post and now we are here to take action.”
The governor, who commended the security personnel for their efforts in fighting the bandits in the last few weeks, revealed that logistics have been provided and that their allowances and other financial benefits will always be provided as at when due.
While mourning the killing of 20 Vigilante Corps Members by the bandits in Magama Local Government Area of the state, he called on the federal government to collaborate with her neigbouring countrie.
He said, “From all indications, these bandits are foreigners.”
In his reaction, Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmad Garba Gunna, (Attahiru II) commended the governor for all the support especially in security area to the emirate and the support given to the family of the kidnapped schoolchildren.
Headmaster of the Islamiyyah School, Mallam Abubakar Alhassan who also spoke said the action of the government to go in full combat was a welcome development provided that their children will be brought back safely.
Alhassan confirmed that 15 of his teachers have escaped from the hands of their abductors in Zamfara State with four already in Kagara and 11 in a military facility in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State where they will be handed over to the Niger State Government soon.
