TheCable

Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, has ordered the state emergency management agency (SEMA) to embark on the immediate provision of relief materials to residents affected by bandits’ attacks.

This directive came after TheCable reported the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Shiroro LGA of Niger state on Wednesday.

Some of the IDPs had narrated their experiences to TheCable, stating that they were abandoned by the government, weeks after bandits attacked their communities.

In a statement on Friday by Noel Berje, chief press secretary to the governor, Bello said the distribution of relief items will begin immediately.

The governor said the state has recorded an additional number of displaced persons from Chiro, Kuchi, and Guni, who are lodged at the Gwada IDP camp and are in need of urgent intervention.

He added that security efforts are being intensified to resolve the crisis.

“Government is not unmindful of the precarious situation you have found yourselves in. We are making frantic efforts to intervene and ensure that your communities are rid of those criminal elements and made safe for your return,” Bello said.

“Once again I sympathise with the displaced persons and, as a government, the situation is regrettable and we are not resting on our oars until we can get you back to your homes to live your normal, productive lives.”

While calling for calm, he urged residents affected by banditry in the state to cooperate with the joint military task force to ensure safe return to their communities.