NIGER: Not enough support from FG on efforts to free Kagara abductees, laments Gov Bello

GOVERNOR Abubakar Sani Bello has decried the lack of support from the Federal Government in his administration’s efforts to rescue of the students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara which occurred eight days ago. 

Bello made the statement yesterday, Thursday, February 25, when he received the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who paid him a sympathy visit alongside other eminent people..

In a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, the Niger State governor remarked: “At the moment we did not feel any Federal presence here. Yes, agreed the Inspector General of Police sent us four Mobile units but we have to shoulder all the financial responsibilities.

“So, where is the support? There is no support from any one. Yes, we had a delegation that came to commiserate with us, finished. We are left to ourselves.”

Governor Bello, however, resolved:  “Be that as it may, we have already made a commitment to Nigerlites that we will bring the children back home safely with or without anyone’s support and that is exactly what we are going to do to ensure the safe return of these kids soon, using resources within our means.”

Bello’s statement came as a response to words of encouragement and advices offered by Senator Kalu, which called on the Federal Government to set up a joint Security Committee in Minna, to fast-track the release of students, staff members and relatives abducted from the GSS Kagara last week.

Orji, who said security issue has become a big challenge in the country and particularly in Niger State considering its large land expanse, said:

“I call on the Federal Government to set up a joint security committee in your state to be able to have a representative of all the forces like the National Security Adviser, the Army. They should be able to help the existing commands that are here to facilitate in getting back these innocent young boys and women that are kidnapped,” he said.

The Senate Chief Whip also told Governor Sani Bello, “We encourage you to continue doing what you are doing to see how these kids will all be released. We believe that you should do more to partner with the Federal Government to become two working tools that will make security tight in Niger State,” Orji stated.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, corroborating and amplifying the call by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, pointed out that the proposed command centres should be stationed in all states of the federation not just Niger and should work with local authorities.

“The command centre will work with local authorities combined with the federal troops that will come for the operations and, most importantly, the representatives of the services at the command centres should be able to report to their bosses and give update on situations,” he said.

Other dignitaries in the Chief Whip’s entourage include; Chairman of Belema Oil, Jack Richie; Member House of Representatives, Femi Bamisile and former Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, who is also a brother to the Senator.