Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has urged Fulani community leaders to actively collaborate with security agencies to expose criminals operating within their domains, warning that silence over ongoing banditry and kidnappings is heightening public anger.
Speaking in Hausa in a viral video recorded during a community engagement, Governor Bago called on traditional and pastoral leaders to persuade youths involved in violent crime to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“My relatives, I will not be afraid of you; I had better tell you this. Whoever gets kidnapped in the bush and is later released will say it was Fulanis who kidnapped him,” Bago stated. “So, you should warn your children who are in the bush to return so that we can live peacefully. There is no way people can be kidnapped and made to pay ransom without expecting them to be angry with you.”
Warning against shielding bandits
The governor emphasised that public frustration with insecurity has escalated because certain local residents allegedly fail to report suspicious armed groups, including foreign or displaced bandits entering from neighboring states such as Zamfara.
“People are angry with Fulanis. No one is stopping you from grazing, going to school, or staying peacefully, yet you know your children are doing bad things to people,” Bago added. “Even if they are not caught, you will eventually face the consequences.”
Banning farming along major roads
In a bid to reduce roadside ambushes and improve visibility for security patrols, Governor Bago announced a ban on crop cultivation along major highway corridors.
He instructed that crops planted between main highways and electric power poles should be cleared, authorising herdsmen to graze on such farmlands while security operatives arrest non-compliant farmers.
Directives on vigilantes and religious preaching
Addressing broader security concerns, Bago cautioned local vigilante groups against summary executions or extrajudicial acts.
He also directed traditional and security authorities to monitor religious sermons across mosques and public spaces, ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of any cleric spreading divisive teachings between religious groups.
“Even if they come to the Juma’at mosque to preach, arrest them. Whoever preaches to divide Muslims, or to divide Muslims and Christians, should be arrested, and we will take them to prison,” Bago concluded.
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