Governor Bago Calls for Tougher Action Against Informants

181

By Aliyu Lawal, Minna

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has called for stringent measures against informants who assist bandits, describing them as key contributors to rising terrorist activities across the country.

The governor made the appeal during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa. The visit followed the kidnapping of pupils and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

Governor Bago noted that informants often enable attacks by criminal groups and stressed that harsher sanctions against them would significantly curb insecurity. He assured that security agencies, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, are intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children.

He further urged residents to support security operations by providing credible information, while cautioning against religious intolerance and sentiments that could breed discord.

Responding, the Emir of Borgu commended the governor’s compassion and leadership. He lamented the growing occupation of the Borgu forest by bandits and appealed to both state and federal authorities to urgently reclaim the area.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention in the matter. He expressed confidence that the abducted children would be rescued and that banditry would eventually be defeated in Nigeria.