Governor Sani Bello

Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has directed immediate  release  of all persons arrested by the military over clashes with soldiers in Bosso local government area of the state to the police for thorough investigation.

The Governor also said  hewill set up a judicial commission of inquiry to unravel controversies over the bloody clashes in Kpaidna and the other four villages in Bosso Local Government Area in which the military claimed 11 of its men were killed by “bandits.”

The military claimed it invaded the village based on information that the villagers were stockpiling sophisticated arms and ammunitions in their houses, a claim the villagers denied.

The villagers denied the claim, accusing soldiers of launching an attack on the village based on unverified information.

The villagers said they lost 14 people to the clashes, with several others still missing.

While announcing that he has initiated steps to investigate controversies surrounding the killing in a state broadcast in Minna on Sunday, Governor Bello said he has directed that all persons arrested by the military be released to the Police for thorough investigation.

“I have also visited the affected communities to commiserate with the people and have on-the-spot assessment of the situation. I have directed the Police to provide adequate security through regular patrol of the affected areas,” the Governor said.

Governor Sani Bello who assured citizens of the state of his commitment to ensuring security of lives and property, revealed that based on preliminary investigation and security council meeting, government was setting up a judicial commission of inquiry.

“In view of the preliminary reports of the adhoc committee and decisions reached at various meetings by the Security Council, machinery has been put in place to constitute a judicial commission of inquiry to further look into the matter.”

“In keeping faith with the oath that I sworn to as your elected Governor, I remain committed to ensuring safety of all in Niger State; after all, every life, whether civilian or military is important. We are determined to providing a safe and secured Niger State for all. So I call on all Nigerlites to remain focused especially at these trying times in our collective efforts to transform the state using our shared vision with unlimited opportunities.”

The Governor commended effort of the security agencies urged them to be professional in carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“Let me at this point call on the security agencies to be professional in carrying out their Constitutional responsibilities. I enjoin them to intensify their efforts in sustaining peace and security of the state through inter-agency collaboration and intelligence gathering. I urge the security agents to build a new and robust, mutually beneficial relationship with various critical stakeholders in the state.”

He disclosed that all steps taken by the government was geared towards peaceful resolution of the crisis.

“It is clear that since this unfortunate incident occurred, our focus as a government is to find peaceful resolution. We know when states or nations face challenges either security or economy; leaders join hands to proffer solution. That is what we have been doing. That is what we will continue to do. This is no time politics and blame game.”