The Digest:
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has charged residents to defend themselves against bandits, vowing never to negotiate or pay ransom. According to Vanguard, the governor announced a total ban on mining in eight local governments and plans to recruit 10,000 personnel for a Joint Task Force, declaring the situation a "state of war" that requires collective resistance.
Key Points:
- Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has urged residents to defend themselves against bandits.
- He vowed never to negotiate with bandits or pay any form of ransom.
- The governor announced a total ban on mining activities across eight Local Government Areas.
- He described the frequent attacks as "embarrassing and unacceptable."
- Plans are underway to recruit and train 10,000 personnel for a state Joint Task Force.
- He alleged complicity, noting that miners access forests freely while residents are attacked.
- The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is ordered to arrest anyone mining.
Sources: Vanguard
