Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has taken a firm stand against the rising tide of banditry, declaring that his administration will *not negotiate or pay ransom* to kidnappers. Instead, he urged residents to defend themselves emphasizing that succumbing to demands only fuels the crisis.
The governor made this statement during a visit to Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, recently ravaged by bandit attacks in Kontagora.
“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves,” Bago declared. “I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and continue kidnapping people. The situation is a requires collective resistance.” He stressed that the Constitution grants citizens the right to protect their lives and property: “We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. There is no going back.
Bago linked insecurity to illegal mining, which he said enables criminal networks. “Miners access forests unharmed while residents suffer attacks. It’s suspicious.” He ordered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone mining in the area and *banned mining in 8 LGAs Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara.
This bold stance aims to deter kidnappings, but experts warn that self-defense risks escalating violence. The government’s next steps will be critical to restoring safety in Niger State
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