Laleye Dipo in Minna
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, wednesday disclosed that not fewer than 10 soldiers were killed in the state by cattle rustlers and kidnappers in 2016.
Bello made the disclosure while speaking at this year’s armed forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund in Minna.
Though the governor did not elaborate how they were killed, he however explained that it was as a result of the proliferation of small arms.
“We are now experiencing internal security threats from cattle rustlers and armed herdsmen. Last year alone, we lost over 10 officers in the state,†Bello declared.
The governor therefore noted that the government should find solution to the illegal circulation of small arms and other weapons in the country, saying their existence had heightened the security challenges facing most communities.
Bello donated N10 million to the Nigerian Legion in the state and directed that the 2016 pledge by the government should be redeemed immediately.
Earlier, the Chairman, of the state council of the Nigerian Legion, Abubakar Musa Kutigi, appealed to the governor and well-meaning Nigerians to donate passionately and redeem their pledges for the welfare of members of the Legion.
According to him, “The delay in redeeming pledges made to us by individuals and corporate bodies definitely affect our performance.
“Our prayers are that the pledges made today would be redeemed quickly because action delayed is action denied.â€
About N12,340,000 was realised at the launch.
