Niger Gov. Raises Alarm Over Proliferation Of Small Arms

…donates N10m to Nigeria Legion

BY MAIRIGA Juliana, Minna

The Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has announced the donation N4 million to the state chapter of Nigerian Legion while also directing that the N6 million pledge the state government made to the group last year be released to them immediately.

Governor Bello has also made a passionate appeal to well to do Nigerians to donate generously for the upkeep of families of Nigerian soldiers who died on the cause of fighting to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Speaking during launch of the, 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and Emblem appeal which took place at Government House Minna, Governor Bello said he decided to ensure the monies are released for the sustenance of families of the fallen heroes.

Governor Bello who directed the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Finance to ensure that the state legion receive in all, N10 million before close of the day also mandated all political appointees and members of the State legislature to follow suit.

Meanwhile, the Governor has raised the alarm over what he termed, proliferation of small arms across the state and therefore solicited for the support of Nigerian legion in assisting security agencies to check threats to security of lives and properties in Niger state by criminal elements.

Governor Sani Bello said, “We are now experiencing internal security threats from especially cattle rustlers invading our rural areas on a recurrent basis and armed herdsmen. Last year alone, we lost over 10 officers in the state fighting the menace”.

Niger state chairman of Nigerian Legion, Ex Warrant Officer Abubakar Musa Kutigi had earlier pleaded with Governor Bello to redeem pledge made to them last year and also to assist recover monies pledged by government functionaries for the upkeep of members and their families.

Delay in redeeming pledges made to Nigerian legion by the state government, individuals and corporate bodies, Kutigi said will definitely affect performances negatively as such monies are used in providing food, shelter, school for children of fallen soldiers in the state.

Kutigi told all present that monies realised through emblems are mostly used for the upkeep of dependants of fallen heroes, as he prayed that, ‘pledges made today would be redeemed quickly and in a very short time without delay because action delayed is action denied’