Bandits’ Attacks In Niger Show They’re Terrorists — Gov. Sani-Bello

Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger claims that bandits are now collaborating with terrorists to sow havoc in the North-Central area.

Mr Bello addressed journalists on Saturday after visiting Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Specialist Hospital to witness some soldiers injured in a bandit attack in Shiroro Local Government Area.

“We have every reason to assume we are dealing with more than just bandits,” Mr Bello continued, “and the newest operations, as well as the manner they coordinate their attacks, confirm that they must have some type of training.”

Niger State has recently become a new refuge for bandits and terrorists who have been planning lethal attacks and mass kidnappings.

Mr Bello’s new stance on banditry in his state comes after he lobbied for their welfare and care a few months ago, claiming that they are tired of terrorizing the country.

“I also understand some of these bandits are tired, they need to be looked after, they need to be engaged, they need to be trained,” Mr Bello said in February when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House over the mass abduction of students from Government Science College in Kagara, Niger.

Suleiman Chikuba, the chairman of Shiroro Local Government in Niger, revealed on Saturday that terrorists have occupied nearly 500 communities under his control.

“As the Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, I can tell you that Shiroro is not just dealing with the issue of banditry, but Shiroro also has a lot of Boko Haram, and I have confirmation of this as the chairman,” Mr Chikuba stated. Boko Haram has stated that they do not desire traditional primary and secondary schools, preferring instead to send their children to an Islamic school.”

Previously, President Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, described banditry and insecurity as the product of people who were “playing up” insecurity to undermine Mr Buhari’s successes.