Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has said the state has spent over N470million to combat banditry and insecurity.
He lamented that the bandits have rejected the gesture by the government to enter into a dialogue.
Bello addressed stakeholders on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, in Minna.
In the last two weeks, bandits have attacked over 10 communities, dispossessing residents of their belongings.
The governor said: “We have spent over N470million on combating banditry and insecurity. The security situation in Niger State is becoming worrisome. However, the government is determined to ensure that insecurity is addressed and reduced.”
He lamented that the bandits have become daring, unleashing terror and fear on the people.
He said the bandits have refused to enter into a dialogue with the people.
“These bandits have become more daring. We have used every opportunity to enter into a dialogue with them, but those on the Pandogari axis have refused to listen. Instead they have become more daring.
“They seem to remain committed to carrying out whatever activity they intend to do by unleashing terror and fear on the people and state,” Bello said.
He said the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) across the state had increased to 1,000 as a result of bandits’ attacks.
