Niger Governor advises residents to return to communities

chika ebuzor

August 9, 2016 7:30 AM

Oyebade had commended the state government for condoling with the Division and the 31 Artillery Brigade over the loss of their colleagues.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

Bello gave the advice when he received, Maj.- Gen Adeniyi Oyebade, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in Minna on Monday.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Kets, urged them to report any suspicious persons or movements to appropriate security agencies in the state.

Soldiers and civilians on Aug. 4 lost their lives in a clash between the Army and members of Gbagyi community of Boss Local Government Areas of the state.

Bello described the incident as unfortunate and called for a collaboration of all security agencies to prevent criminals from hijacking the state.

He assured the GOC of the state government's readiness to support the military in discharging its duty.

The governor, however, urged the GOC to respect the rules of engagement.

He called on government to use its information apparatus to plead with the villagers to return back to the communities, saying that the command would guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Oyebade disclosed that the troops have made arrest of 57 suspects and recovered weapons.

chika ebuzor