Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared that he will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims in the state.
He also urged the people to stand up and defend themselves.
Bago made the statement during a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama local government areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora.
He emphasised that paying ransom would only encourage more kidnappings and worsen insecurity in the state.
According to him, “The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves. 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 insisted that the Constitution has given citizens the right to protect their lives and property, stating that he would take all necessary steps to fulfil this duty.
“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,” the governor maintained.
Bago further declared that it is embarrassing and unacceptable that communities could be invaded and their residents turned into internally displaced persons.
The governor described the situation as a “state of war” while calling for collective resistance by everyone.
To enhance security, Bago announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members for the joint task force and declared a total ban on mining in Zone C of the state, citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity.
He also pledged to support victims of the recent attacks, including compensation for families of those killed, medical treatment for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their livelihoods.
