The Niger government has given people living in hamlets near Kainji Lake two months’ notice to depart the region so that they can be resettled by the Emirate Council.
Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, Gov. Muhammad Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, made this statement on Wednesday.
Bago issued the command while paying a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad-Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa.
He told the traditional ruler that his visit was to express his condolences to him and the Emirate’s entire population following the horrific terrorist attack that claimed so many lives.
The governor stated that the people’s resettlement had become imperative to avoid collateral harm, as his administration, in partnership with the Federal Government, was determined to clear the forests.
He stated that this was done to clear out criminals who were using Kainji Lake as a camp, rendering the terrain unusable for the locals.
He condemned the influx of people into the Emirates without profiling, stating that it had become a security worry, even as informants’ activities have foiled security operations in the Emirate.
Bago encouraged the Emirate Council to accept responsibility and work with security services and the government at all levels to confront any type of insecurity in the Emirate.
He expressed his profound condolences to the Emir and the people of the Emirate, particularly the relatives of the victims, and prayed for the souls of those who died.
Similarly, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the Federal Government was likewise concerned with preserving national peace and security.
According to him, “It will be a welcome development if some concrete actions are taken to get the people relocated while the forest is taken back and deployed for further community use.
In response, the Emir committed to working closely with competent authorities to identify and prosecute informants in the Emirate, emphasizing the importance of protecting lives and property.
He swore to do everything possible to protect the lives and property of his people and the surrounding area.
Dantoro thanked the governor for his visit and promised him the Emirate’s continuous support for his policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of the citizens.
