The Niger State Government has directed residents of small settlements around Kainji Lake to leave the area within two months to allow for their resettlement by the Emirate Council, as part of a wider security plan.
The order was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, by Mr Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Muhammad Bago.
Governor Bago gave the instruction during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, at the monarch’s palace in New Bussa, following a deadly terrorist attack in the Emirate.
During the visit, the governor explained that the planned relocation was aimed at preventing innocent residents from being caught in military and security operations, as both the state and federal governments are preparing to clear the surrounding forest.
He said criminal groups had turned the Kainji Lake axis into a hideout, making it unsafe for people living nearby.
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The governor also expressed concern over the growing number of unprofiled strangers moving into the Emirate, warning that the situation posed a serious security risk.
He added that the activities of informants within the area had continued to frustrate efforts by security agencies to stabilise the region.
Governor Bago called on the Emirate Council to take a more active role in tackling insecurity by working closely with security agencies and government authorities.
He also conveyed his condolences to the Emir, the community and families of those who lost their lives, while offering prayers for the departed.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, said the Federal Government also supports measures aimed at restoring peace and safety across the country.
According to Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, “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.”