I’ll Not Pay Ransom to Bandits — Gov Bago Urges Niger Residents to Defend Themselves
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has reaffirmed his firm stance against negotiating with bandits or paying ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions would only embolden criminal elements and worsen insecurity across the state.
During a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis, the governor urged residents to take responsibility for their safety and rise in self-defence against attackers.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, Governor Bago cautioned that any attempt to pay ransom would signal weakness and encourage more abductions. He said, “We have reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves. I will not negotiate with bandits, and I will not pay ransom. Once we start paying, they will open shops on our heads and keep kidnapping people.”
He further stressed that the Nigerian Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, adding that his administration would not shirk its duty to safeguard the people.
In his words, “We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The Constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will exercise that right fully. There is no retreat, no surrender.”
A top government aide who spoke to PulseNets described the governor’s remarks as “a call to collective vigilance and unity,” emphasising that communities must cooperate with security agencies to repel criminal invasions.
Governor Bago, PulseNets learnt, expressed deep frustration over the repeated displacement of residents, describing it as both “embarrassing and unacceptable.” He likened the persistent attacks to a “state of war” and called for collective resistance from all stakeholders.
To strengthen the state’s security architecture, Bago disclosed plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into a joint task force that will work with existing security agencies. He also announced a total ban on mining activities in Zone C, attributing illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity in the area.
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The governor assured that his administration would provide comprehensive support for victims of the recent attacks, including compensation for bereaved families, medical care for the injured, and financial assistance to help affected households rebuild their livelihoods.
