Niger State Governor Refuses to Pay Ransom to Bandits, Urges Self-Defense

Governor Moham Umaru Bago of Niger State has taken a firm stance against paying ransom to bandits, emphasizing the need for residents to defend themselves following recent attacks by armed bandits in the Rijau Magama local government area. He expressed anger over the insecurity situation and called for unity against threats, supporting ongoing security efforts.

Governor Bago announced plans to recruit and train a 10,000-member joint task force to safeguard rural communities and declared a total ban on illegal mining activities, which have contributed to insecurity in the state. He also promised government support for victims of recent attacks, including compensation for bereaved families and medical treatment for the injured.