. Don’t negotiate with armed bandits, Niger Assembly warns Gov Bello
By Ummi Ismaeel, Minna
Visit to Niger State Government House Wednesday by Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has sparked off speculations and fear that the state government was negtiating with the suspected terrorist group that has taken over four local government councils of the state – Shiroro, Munya, Rafi and Mariga.
Sheikh Gumi and few of his ardent followers were sighted at Government House, Minna as Governor Sani Bello and the delegation from Abuja led by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, were about taking off for Kagara on assessment tour of Government Science School where armed bandits killed a student, kidnapped 27 others and some staff.
Though his mission to the state seat of power was not made known, feelers had it that Gumi is on the invite of the state government and may not be unconnected with the security situation; kidnap of 40 travellers last Sunday and about 42 others from GSC, Kagara by suspected armed bandits and more.
Meanwhile, Niger State House of Assembly has warned Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello never to negotiate with the armed bandits even as the legislature has berated President Muhammadu Buhari for inability to end spate of killings and general insecurity.
The lawmakers made their position known during Thursday’s plenary after a matter of urgent public importance was raised by the member representing Bosso Constituency, Hon. Madaki Malik Bosso.
Hon. Malik Bosso in his presentation pointed out that the issue of security in Niger State was escalating and posing serious threats to the lives and properties of Nigerlites especially those living in the rural areas.
Supporting the motion by Bosso, member representing Bida 2 Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Haruna, said that negotiating with the bandits would only add to the problems as doing so would amount to supporting them to acquire more amunition to kill and maim people.
Hon. Mohammed Haruna said that the House was in support of the governor’s earlier position that negotiating with the armed bandits was not part of the state government’s agenda.
According to him, “There is no room for negotiations with armed bandits. Any attempt by the state government or anyone to negotiate with them will call for more attacks and problems. They are stubborn and wicked. The moment you start negotiating with them, they turn the state into a business venture and we will not allow it”.
Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Bawa Wuse, while passing the recommendations, declared that the state government would not fall under the ploy of negotiating with the armed bandits.
The House however expressed disgust that the federal government despite promises has not been able to end spate of insecurity threatening the very foundtation of Nigeria.
“The federal government needs to do more in terms of intervention in addressing insecurity. Niger State in prticular which has been more of complicated due to its large terrain of the state”, the Speaker emphasised.
The speaker also disclosed plans by the leadership of the Assembly to meet with the Governor with a view to proffering possible solution while the Governor will in turn brief the members about efforts being made so far by the state government.
Meanwhile, Niger State police command has received about 300 additional Special Mobile Force to reinforce and ensure harmless rescue of the abducted Kagara secondary school children and the NSTA travelers kidnapped last Sunday.
Niger State Police Commissioner, CP Adamu Usman, made this known while welcoming the Operation Puff-Adder 11 in Minna yesterday, saying the additional manpower will guarantee public peace especially in troubled; Rafi, Shiroro Munya, Bangi, Lapai/Agaie axis to consolidate on their successes launched by the Inspector General of Police.