The Niger State Government, Governor Bago has issued a two-month notice to residents of hamlets surrounding Kainji Lake, directing them to vacate the area for resettlement by the Emirate Council.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Muhammad Bago.
Governor Bago gave the directive during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad-Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa.
Governor Muhammad Bago told the Emir of Borgu that his visit was to commiserate with him and the people of the Emirate following a recent terrorist attack that claimed several lives.
He explained that the resettlement of residents around Kainji Lake had become necessary to prevent collateral damage, as his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is determined to clear the forest.
The governor noted that criminals had been using the area as a hideout, making the land unsafe and uninhabitable for local residents. He also expressed concern over the unregulated influx of strangers into the Emirate, saying it posed a serious security threat, especially as informants had hindered security efforts.
Governor Bago urged the Emirate Council to collaborate fully with security agencies and all levels of government to tackle insecurity in the area. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Emir and the people of the Emirate, particularly the families of the victims, and prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives.
In the same vein, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, affirmed that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring peace and security across the country.
According to him, “It will be a welcome development if some concrete actions are taken to get the people relocated while the forest is taken back and deployed for further community use.”
