MINNA, NIGER STATE – Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has called on Fulani community leaders to play a more active role in addressing the state’s security challenges by encouraging individuals involved in kidnapping and banditry to abandon criminal activities and embrace peace. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement, the governor urged traditional and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies, warning that the continued involvement of some individuals in violent crimes was fueling public resentment and suspicion against the wider Fulani community.
Governor Bago stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility and appealed to religious and community leaders to promote peace, unity, and lawful conduct. He also expressed concern over divisive religious preaching, urging clerics to avoid messages capable of inciting hatred or deepening social divisions. In addition, the governor cautioned vigilante groups against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that while community participation in security is important, all operations must remain within the bounds of the law and in collaboration with relevant security agencies.
The governor further warned farmers against cultivating crops along government roads, noting that such practices obstruct road development and pose safety concerns. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving security, infrastructure, and peaceful coexistence across Niger State, while calling on residents from all communities to support government efforts in restoring lasting peace. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by state and federal authorities to curb kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violent crime affecting parts of northern Nigeria.