Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has stated that bandits who are causing chaos in the country are foreigners who were contracted to bring problems for citizens in the country.
The Governor told the 1000 combined security operatives sent to ensure the rescue of 136 abducted kids from Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, that no true Fulani operates in this manner.
Bello also assured parents of abducted students that his administration will take strong steps to ensure their children’s safe return, and praised security officers for their efforts in combatting bandits in recent weeks.
READ ALSO: I Don’t Allow What People Say Dictate How I See Myself – Osita ‘Pawpaw’ Iheme
Logistics have been given, according to the Governor, and their allowances and other financial benefits will always be provided on time.
He said;
“Nigerians must try their best not make them succeed in forcing us to change our normal lives.
“Most of these Bandits are from outside the country.
“They are hired to cause problems for us. It is not the habit of the true Fulani to indulge in this kind of act.
“These bandits are well organized 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.
“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.
“From all indications, these bandits are foreigners.”
Governor Bello also expressed sorrow at the execution of 20 Vigilante Corps members by bandits in the state’s Magama Local Government Area, while urging the federal government and governments of neighboring countries to work together.
