Niger governor condemns bandits attacks on communities

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has condemned recent attack by bandits on some communities of Maitumbi and Kuchi in Bosso and Munya local government areas of the state.

Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, in Minna on Monday decried the incessant activities of the gunmen and urged the people to support government efforts aimed at identify and dislodging the criminals.

It was reported that about 20 people were allegedly abducted by the bandits, numbering over 50, when they attacked communities in the two areas leaving scores injured in the process.

He appealed to residents of the state to cooperate with security agencies by providing necessary intelligence that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of such heinous act.

Bello disclosed that the recent meeting of the North Central State Governors in Makurdi, provided ideas and offered new approaches in dealing with the issue of banditry in the region.

He added that both the states and Federal government were doing their best to restore order in the affected states.

The governor gave the assurance of governments logistical support to the security agencies and enjoined them to brace up to their responsibilities through collaborative intelligence sharing.

He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in recent attacks and directed the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to attend to the injured as well as those taking refuge at the Maitumbi Primary School.