Niger Governor Speaks On Alleged Bandit Attack On Convoy

informantonline.com.ng

December 4, 2024

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has dismissed reports claiming that his convoy was ambushed by bandits during an inspection tour of projects in the Mashegu Local Government Area.

The incident was said to have occurred on Tuesday as the governor and his team were returning from Egede community in Zone C, where they had been assessing various projects initiated under his administration.

Anonymous sources had suggested that the convoy was attacked after some vehicles inadvertently entered a bandits’ hideout.

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The attackers reportedly opened fire, but the governor’s security team, well-equipped and well-prepared, quickly responded with a counterattack.“Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into the bush after being overpowered,” a source claimed.

According to the sources, some vehicles in the convoy, including a Hilux and a bulletproof vehicle of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, were reportedly damaged.

However, no casualties were recorded among the governor’s team, despite some vehicles reportedly losing their way in the bush due to the confusion caused by the attack.

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In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, dismissed the report as “false, baseless, and unfounded.”

“The convoy of the governor has been having a smooth tour of ongoing projects across the Niger North Senatorial District since last week,” Ibrahim stated.

He added, “The governor’s tour has been peaceful, with no incident of any attack or threat to his safety or that of his team. Rather, the governor has been receiving a warm reception from community members in all areas visited.”

Ibrahim condemned what he called unethical journalism, accusing certain media practitioners of disseminating misleading information.

“The state government calls on the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council, to ensure that only trained journalists are allowed to practise. Those trained should adhere to professional ethics, bearing in mind their critical role as the fourth estate of the realm,” he said.