Niger State Has 500,000 IDPs – Governor

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that the state government in collaboration with the federal government and development partners were working towards ensuring that 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state get back home soon.

Similarly, the governor said the federal government has ordered that the Kainji Lake National Park where bandits have used as hide out in recent years should be cleared and a military base established in the area.

LEADERSHIP findings revealed that the recent attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu local government areas by bandits  hiding in the Kainji  Lake National Park  forest, have made many of the people to seek for safety in neighbouring villages both in Nigeria and the  Benin Republic.

Governor Bago who was  speaking during the presidential initiative on distribution of food, nutritional items and drugs to the vulnerable people  affected by humanitarian crisis in Borgu Local Government Area,  said the government was working round the clock to speed up the reunification of IDPs from Borgu with their immediate families.

Bago said, “Over 500,000 displaced persons from Niger State are scattered around Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna States and the FCT as well as Benin Republic,”  but added that frantic efforts were made to ensure that the displaced  people returned home soonest.

He  disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the Kainji Lake National Park in Borgu should be cleared and made habitable.

He said the plan  included the establishment of permanent bases for all security apparatus in order to squarely address the growing cases of insecurity stemming from criminal elements hiding in the national park forest .

Bago who appealed for patience and understanding from the people of Borgu said, the gesture by the federal government in providing food items is a show of concern for the people who have been displaced and serve as relief to them.

The Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV in his remarks appreciated the  efforts of the governor whom he described as an exemplary leader for showing  concern to  his people especially the people of Borgu that have been having series of security challenges.

The Emir also acknowledged the efforts of the federal government and used the opportunity to call on his people to exercise patience as government at all levels are working round the clock to ensure safety of the citizenry.

Minister of state for agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi thanked the federal government for its show of sympathy to the people of Borgu while also acknowledging the efforts of the governor in ensuring peace returns to Borgu Emirate.