MINNA – Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has called on people of Pandogori, Rafi Local government Area of Niger state to exercise restrain over the crisis that erupted in the community.
This call was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Jibrin Baba Ndace.
The Governor who said peace has returned to Pandogari, advised residents of the community, the state and indeed the country to desist from giving the incidence a religious or tribal colouration.
“It will be a disservice and an attempt to over heat the polity if the incidence in Pandogari is given religious or tribal colouration. We must exercise restrain in our actions as well as comments on traditional and online media. It is neither a religious or tribal crisis.”
Governor Sani Bello expressed displeasure over the outcome of the incident adding that it was always better for various stakeholders to pursue the path of dialogue, consultation and peaceful resolution of any conflict, than resulting to violence.
“Pursuing the path of peace, dialogue is cheaper and safer than violence. Violence is a distraction and costly path in any society. That is why I always sue for peace in our communities across the state.”
Governor Sani Bello revealed that the state is known for peace and therefore the incidence in Pandogari was an isolated case of break down of law and order which has been professional handled by the security agencies in collaboration with other stakeholders in the community.
He said security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order and to ensure protection of lives and property in line with their constitutional role.
“I have directed the security agencies to ensure that law and order in maintained within Pandogari and its environs. Any one person or group of persons found to be involve in any act capable of causing further crisis will be dealt with according to law.”
He said Niger state government has set up an investigative panel to establish immediate and remote causes of the crisis.
In addition, the governor also directed top government officials to visit Pandogari for on the spot assessment of the crisis.
“I have directed Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Ketso, Secretary to State Government, SSG, Alhaji Umar Shehu Danyaya, Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, Commissioner for Local Government, Alhaji Kabir Abbas, member , Niger State House of Assembly, representing the area, Danlami Bako to visit Pandogari today (Wednesday)”
“Also to be part of the visit are Special Adviser Security, Brigadier General Imam rtd, Director General Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Alhaji Ibrahim Inga, Chairman Rafi Local government , Alhaji Gambo Abubakar Bojo, representative of Emir of Kagara, Galadima Kagara, Alhaji Abubakar Katako, representative of Brigade commander , representative of Police Commissioner and other security agencies.
Governor Sani Bello then assured Nigerlites of his determination to ensuring peace and security in the state and urged all stakeholders to support government’s resolve in that direction.
