Amid School Pupils’ Abduction, Niger Gov Jets off ‘on Security Mission’ Abroad

By Laleye Dipo

Niger state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has left Nigeria on ‘security mission’ abroad.

The disclosure of the governor’s trip abroad is coming on the heels of the abduction of scores of school pupils by bandits.

A statement Monday by his Chief Press Secretary Mary Noel Berje did not say exactly when the governor departed the country or the country he went to.

Berje said in the statement that Governor Bello “left the country to explore all possibilities of strengthening the state’s security architecture before the incident (Tegina Islamiyya pupils abduction) happened”.

She added that “he is expected back soon”.

According to the statement, the governor “has however given directives to the security operatives and state government officials to do all they can towards ensuring the safe return of the abducted Tegina Islamiyya children and others”.

Berje said the governor, who is expected back in the country “within the shortest period of time”, has assured of the rescue and safe return of the children.

Governor Bello, she said in the statement, “also assured all Nigerlites that government will continue to do all it can to protect the lives and property of its citizens” while also guaranteeing the continued peace and stability of the state.

“While assuring the parents of the abducted children of their safe return as the security agencies have been directed to do all it (sic) can to bring back the children as soon as possible, the governor also urged the citizens to cooperate and share intelligence and information that will help in the quick rescue of the children,” the statement added

Berje said the governor directed that “a situation room be reactivated to update the public” on the Tegina incident.