Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has lamented the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the rural communities in the state.
Consequently, the Governor has given a seven-day ultimatum to individuals or group of people in possession of illegal firearms in the state to surrender them to the appropriate authority.
According to Bello, unlike in the past when gun running was only limited to the metropolitan cities, villages in the state now have cases of gun running.
In a state broadcast on the recent security challenges in some communities of Bosso local government area of the state, the Governor warned of grave consequences for failure to surrender such illegal firearms stressing that the state will not be safe haven for criminals.
He bemoaned the invasion of some villages in the state by cattle rustlers, kidnappers, banditry, armed robbers and other nefarious activities being committed by criminally minded persons.
โWe must rise now to fight this menace. To achieve this task successfully, we must pay attention to what happens in our homes, villages and communities. We must make security of our environment our business by reporting any suspicious movement or activities around us to security agenciesโ, he said.
On the military/communal clash, he said that the government have set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to look into the cause of the clash and how to prevent a reoccurance.
He maintained that the sad incident of the clash was not a true reflection of what the people and the state were known for.
The Governor further stated that the restriction of motorcycle movement from 7pm to 6am in the state capital and major cities in the state is still enforce until further notice adding that he has directed for stop and search operation as a result of the prevailing security challenges in state of recent.
He urged the people to bear with the attendant discomfort they will be subjected to as the decision to introduce these measures were taken in the interest of all.
โThe sad and emerging violent culture in our various communities is not a true reflection of who we are or what we stand for, and belief in as a people. We cannot at this crucial point in our development as a state allow minor differences that can be mutually discussed and resolved to bring us to daggers drawn at one anotherโ, he said.
He commended the role played by the Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Faruk Bahago for ensuring that peace returned back to the communities and has also directed Niger State Emergency Maintenance Agency (NSEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected families of the injured and displaced persons.
