* Niger governor, Bello


by Pita Chib, Minna

In a bid  to fight bandits to standstill, Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District , Mohammed Sani Musa, has appealed to Federal Government to set up a permanent Military Base in Shiroro, Munya and Rafi Local Government Areas following the incessant attacks of the bandits.

Musa said that  30 communities were sacked in both Shiroro, Munya and Rafi councils in which at least nine persons died,  property destroyed and many abducted.

In a statement signed by the lawmaker and made available to newsmen in Minna said the federal government cannot afford to turn deaf ears and close its eyes against the wanton killings of the people in his constituency.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give a matching order to the military to immediately establish a base each in the three local government areas.

According to him "The on and off operations by security agencies in the affected communities cannot solve the problem. The bandits know when troops are around and when they are not. As soon as they know the troops are withdrawn, that's when they strike. So, the solution is to establish a permanent Base for the military in the areas. Their presence no doubt will scare off the hoodlums and consequently stem the tide of criminality."

Senator Musa  who is also Chairman Senate Committee on Senate Services, expressed worries over the latest attacks by gunmen in Rafi and Shiroro, saying " at this critical time when the world is under the pressure of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, both the Federal and State government must beef up security in the state to ensure that the people do not suffer double losses."

The lawmaker disclosed that,  "over three thousand persons are currently being displaced, camped in primary schools in Bosso and Kuta, mostly women and children."

Musa admonished that both the National and State Emergency Management Agencies should endeavour to provide adequate support to the displaced persons, in terms of food, healthcare and other basic amenities.

He also enjoined them to make available water, hand wash detergents and sanitizers for the IDPs, while emphasizing the need for social distancing, and restriction of persons from going into the camps without proper checks.

He however reiterated his absolute commitment to promoting legislations that will impact on the lives of the people in Niger East and Niger State as a whole.

"I remain undaunted in my efforts toward improving on the lives and welfare of my people, through promoting laws that will have impact on them."