Soldiers from the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, Minna, have been strategically positioned in parts of Niger State, especially Minna, the state capital, as military/ Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) crisis rages in Abia State.
Detachments of soldiers Friday morning took position along some strategic areas in Minna metropolis and other strategic towns to avert probable ethnic tension, which the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IPOB may cause.
Already, the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has reminded those fanning ambers of war that the state belonged to all law-abiding Nigerians and that he would not allow anybody or group to turn the state into a theatre of war.
Bello made the statement against the backdrop of fears expressed by non-Nigerlites over their security.
His words: “Niger State is for all Nigerians. The security challenges in the South Eastern Nigeria fueled by hate speeches, violent agitation, rumour and sentiment on social media should not be basis for any attempt at reprisal attacks on innocent citizens.”
Bello said that it was the duty of the state government to protect lives and property of its citizens and would, therefore, not compromise in carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
The security apparatus in the state, he said, had been fully mobilised to immediately commence patrol, particularly within the areas identified as flash spots to nip in the bud any attempt to cause civil disturbance.
“Nigerlites are peaceful and very accommodating irrespective of individuals’ socio-political and ethnic divide. Therefore, anybody caught trying to cause breach of peace will be regarded as a criminal trying to institute anarchy to vandalize and loot people’s property and will be treated as criminal”.
The governor said that Niger was not just home for all Nigerians but very central in Nigeria’s evolution and has always been a melting pot of people from various parts of the world, adding that some prominent Igbo who became reference point in Nigeria’s political history were indigenes of Niger State by birth.
“The likes of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Owelle of Onitsha, Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and others were born in Zungeru, Niger State and the state remains home for all.
“I therefore enjoin all of you to go about your normal businesses and be rest assured that the state government in collaboration with the security agencies, will apprehend, isolate and deal decisively with anyone who attempts to cause disaffection among citizens of the state,” the governor said.
