Governor Sani Bello of Niger has tasked the Joint Security Task Force in the state to urgently end the incessant armed banditry, kidnappings and wanton attacks on several communities in Gulu in the Lapai Local Government Area of the state.
This follows the Tuesday morning attack and killing of some persons at the Gulu General Hospital and the abduction of an unspecified number of people, including medical personnel.
In a statement by his media aide, Mary Noel-Berje, Mr Bello described the attack as callous, inhuman and condemnable.
Mr Bello described the targeted bandits’ attacks around the Gulu axis and the hospital as regrettable, stressing that there was a need for a swift, intensified security operation to not hamper the smooth healthcare delivery in the area.
“We are concerned about the recent rise in armed banditry and kidnappings in Gulu communities when we are rejoicing and consolidating on the successes so far recorded in other affected areas.
“As a responsible government, we’ll not rest on our oars until we triumph over evil,” he said.
He disclosed that the state was already collaborating and supporting the joint security apparatus in its drive to launch a sporadically coordinated onslaught to overcome the bandits and sanitise the area.
Mr Bello commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, would do everything possible to secure the release of those abducted.
The governor also gave assurance that the government would ensure all those who fled during the attacks returned to their homes.
The bandits, in recent times, intensified attacks on Gulu town and other adjoining communities, killing many people, abducting several persons, stealing foodstuff and setting ablaze settlements in the area.
