Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has directed security operatives to shoot on sight any miscreants found carrying dangerous weapons in Minna, the state capital.
This followed persistent attacks and violence by hoodlums on members of the community in Minna and the adjoining local government areas of Bosso and Chanchaga who are going about their legitimate businesses.
Niger State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Muazu, stated this when Jawon Minna, Alhaji Nma Kolo, led critical stakeholders of Minna Emirate on a Sallah homage to the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, at his palace, to seek better ways of addressing youth restiveness in the area.
Barrister Nasiru Muazu further explained that the executive order by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to shoot on sight wasn’t a new thing, as there is a provision in the constitution that allowed for the use of reasonable force to arrest a problem.
He, however, lamented that the increase in cases of youth restiveness in Minna has led to a reduction in revenue generation by the government and those engaged in private businesses.
Barrister Nasiru noted that they would not fold their arms and allow the youth to destroy Minna, the capital of Niger State, but were instead coming up with workable solutions to address such problems.
The leader of the delegation and Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Nma Kolo, said part of the measures they intend to adopt is to close any pharmacy selling drugs to the youth, while the activities of local medical practitioners who are also selling drugs will be checked.
They also mentioned that they would strictly monitor the activities of a Gala house in Minna to address its excesses.
Alhaji Nma Kolo said that they attach great importance to the safety of lives and property of Nigerlites, especially those residing in Minna.
They expressed their desire to contribute to Governor Umar Bago’s New Niger project as a result, the stakeholders will now be meeting on a quarterly basis to address and prevent all cases of youth restiveness and hooliganism in Minna and its environs.
In his remarks, Malam Buba Cashier, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Chanchaga constituency, said that the stakeholders have unanimously agreed to contribute positively to the restoration of peace in Minna in order to achieve maximum results.
Some of the stakeholders that have contributed in the discussion including Members of state House of Assembly representing Bosso and Chanchaga constituencies, Mrs Mary Noel Berje, Chairman of Chanchaga the Federal Commissioner National Population Commission all registered their resolve to change the narrative for peace to reign so that the forthcoming Eid El Kabir durbar will be staged in Minna after some years of postponement.
Emir of Minna Dr Umar Faruk Bahago commended them for the laudable initiative and promised to support them at all times to succeed.
COV/ALIYU LAWAL.
