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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed never to negotiate with or pay ransom to bandits terrorizing communities in the state, insisting that citizens must rise to defend themselves against ongoing attacks.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas where bandits recently launched deadly assaults on several communities in Kontagora the governor described the situation as a “state of war,” stressing that capitulating to criminal elements would only worsen insecurity.
“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves. I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, vowing to take every lawful measure to ensure the safety of residents.
“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The Constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back,” the governor maintained.
Bago expressed outrage over the spate of attacks that have displaced residents across rural communities, calling it “embarrassing and unacceptable” that citizens could be turned into internally displaced persons in their own state.
As part of measures to boost security, the governor announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members for a new joint task force. He also declared a total ban on mining activities in Zone C, linking illegal mining to the rise in insecurity.
In addition, he pledged government support for victims of the recent attacks, including compensation for bereaved families, medical care for the injured, and assistance to those who lost their livelihoods.