Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has ruled out any form of negotiation or ransom payment to bandits, insisting that such actions only embolden criminals and worsen insecurity across the state.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where communities were recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora, Bago urged residents to rise and defend themselves against persistent assaults.
“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,” he declared.
The governor emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the government’s constitutional duty, adding that his administration would go to any length necessary 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,” he stated.
Describing the frequent invasions of communities as embarrassing and unacceptable, Bago announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the Joint Task Force (JTF), with the recruitment exercise set to begin immediately.
In a decisive step to curb criminal activities, the governor also declared a total ban on mining across the entire Zone C of the state covering Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara Local Government Areas.
According to him, illegal mining has become a major driver of insecurity, as miners freely access forest zones while local residents are constantly attacked.
“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” Bago noted, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone found engaging in mining activities.
He assured victims of recent attacks that the government would provide full support including compensation for families of those killed, medical care for the injured, and assistance to those who lost their means of livelihood.
