Niger State confirms number of abducted Islamic School Pupils

The Niger State Government in North Central Nigeria has confirmed 136 as the actual number of Islamic School Pupils abducted by bandits in Tegina, Rafi local government area of the State.

The state Deputy Governor, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso stated this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Minna the State Capital.

The Deputy Governor Who reiterated the readiness of the government to give continued support to the security agencies assured that the government was doing its best for the safe return of the abducted pupils back home.

He further mentioned that the state government has so far provided support to the security agencies including distribution of various operational vehicles.

“Niger State has so far given 89 operational vehicles, 283 operational motorcycles, 30 bicycles, 4 Tri-cycles in addition to funding the various security operations in the state that include: Karamin Goro, Sharan Daji, Girgizan Daji, Gama Aiki, Ayem Akpatuma I & II, Puff Adder I & II, 70 Nissan Vehicles and 2,300 motorcycles as mobility support have been provided to the vigilante corps in the state,” added ketso

He said that the security agencies were doing their best but don’t have enough logistics, saying intervention from the Federal Government was needed to equip them so that they confront the bandits.

” The security agencies were being careful in the pursuit of bandits to avoid collateral damage.”

Meanwhile, the state government according to the Deputy Governor has banned the activities of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada in Minna the state capital for safety. while private motorcycles are allowed to operate but with restriction from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.

The statement by the Niger State government also directed all the Emirs, District Heads and village heads to liaise with local government Chairmen so as to profile all new residents in their domains and to be security-sensitive.

PIAK