Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has restated his firm stance against paying ransom to bandits, declaring that his administration will never negotiate with criminals or reward kidnappers in any form.
Speaking during a condolence visit to communities in Rijau and Magama local government areas recently attacked by armed bandits, the governor called on residents to rise and defend themselves.
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.”
Bago said the continued payment of ransom only emboldens criminal gangs and worsens insecurity. He added that the people have a constitutional right to protect their lives and property.
“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,” he maintained.
The governor described the spate of attacks as a “state of war,” expressing anger that many peaceful communities had been turned into internally displaced persons’ camps.
He called on residents to unite against the threat and support the government’s ongoing security efforts.
To boost security, Bago announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members of a joint task force to protect rural communities.
He also declared a total ban on mining activities in Zone C, saying illegal mining has become a major driver of insecurity in the state.
The state chief security officer promised government support for victims of the recent attacks, including compensation for bereaved families, free medical treatment for the injured, and assistance to those who lost their livelihoods.
