The Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to end insecurity and return all displaced persons to their homes. The Governor also promised that all schools would be reopened in the areas affected by the insurgency.
He stated this yesterday when he paid a sympathy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alh. Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, over a recent armed robbery attack at the Emir Palace in Minna.
The Governor said the state will soon witness increased measures to stem the tide of insecurity, adding that a stop and search operation at strategic points of exits and entries in Minna will be mounted.
Governor Mohammed Bago also condemned in strong terms, the bail given to some offenders already convicted for criminal offences, saying the government will investigate the matter. He ordered that any parent, community leader, or village head who sought to bail out any person involved in thuggery should be arrested.
He commiserated with the emir of Minna over the robbery incident that happened in the palace, reiterating his earlier charge to security agencies to do everything to apprehend the perpetrators.
The governor then announced government plans to flag off the sale of fertiliser at subsidised rates to farmers as part of his administration's commitment to helping farmers increase their yields.
He further stated that his administration intends to embark on massive urban renewal projects while soliciting the support of the emirate in this regard.
Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, expressed his appreciation to the governor for the visit and extolled the concerted efforts the governor has been making since he assumed power to address security challenges in the state.
He informed the governor of the several visits and calls by individuals and groups within and outside the country who sympathised with the emirate council over the robbery incident that had left two guards injured.
He called on the governor not to rest on his oars until total peace and security had been achieved.
He bemoaned the activities of youth restiveness that have bedevilled the capital city and urged security agencies not to spare anyone caught in the act.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial Zone, Mohammed Sani (313), and other top government officials.