In a move to restore law and order in Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago, recently declared a state of emergency. The governor also issued a directive to security forces to shoot on sight any thugs found threatening the public order within the state.
The governor’s stern warning was handed down recently during a Sallah Durba festival organized by former Governor Babangida Aliyu on his farm in Minna, the state capital. This decision follows a resurgence of violent activities by notorious gangs, known locally as “Yandaba,” which led to the death of two individuals and left several others injured in Minna on Friday night.
Bago said:”I declare a state of emergency; a shoot at sight on any thug found within the metropolis and within the state.” He added: “We have zero tolerance for insecurity and thuggery. We have also closed the sites of those artisan miners causing this menace within the state. Anybody found there will be shot to death. Those that are sponsoring them will also be dealt with decisively.”
The Minna Emirate had been forced to suspend its annual traditional Sallah Durba festival for the past seven years due to the deteriorating security situation.
Chanchaga Local Government Chairman Aminu Ladan attributed the recent crisis to the activities of illegal miners, but confirmed that normalcy had since been restored.
However, he acknowledged the significant impact on local businesses, which were forced to temporarily close shop due to the frequent outbreak of violence.
Former Governor Aliyu, while commenting on the development, emphasized the need for decisive action against the criminal elements.
“Presently, the insecurity is dominant in certain areas. I have dealt with some of them, and I am happy the governor is also adopting the same means of dealing with the problem. Get the father and the person involved, and put them in one cell. They will be ashamed of themselves, and many of them have left town because they were criminals who had no job at hand. We must deal with them decisively,” he said.
