Over 10,000 people displaced in Niger due to bandits attacks – Gov. Sani Bello

The governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, has said that the activities of armed bandits in parts of the state have rendered over 10,000 people homeless, a displaced population that is taking refuge in Internally Displaced (IDPs) Camps across the state.

The governor added that the military offensive against the Boko Haram in the North East is largely responsible for the increase in banditry in parts of the state, saying that fleeing insurgents are finding their way into the state.

The governor, speaking at different functions on Saturday in the state, and admitting that the state is currently under siege, however, assured the people that the war against the bandits will soon be won so that the displaced can return to their homes.

Speaking during a special prayers at the Minna central mosque organised by the state government against banditry in the state, the governor said that the government had no choice than to resort to special prayers for God to intervene in the current security crisis.

The prayers, he said, is being organised simultaneously across the 8 Emirate Councils in the state, climaxing with Christian prayers in churches on Sunday.

According to him, “I enjoined Christians and Muslims in the state to pray and ask God for intervention on the security challenges that have bedeviled the State. Right now over ten thousand persons have been displaced and several others killed. We have no choice than go back to God in prayers.