Niger governor goes abroad for 'solution' to recurring bandits attacks

• Governor Bello's aide said he flew out of the country to find solutions to the state's insecurity problems

• Bello gave directives to security operatives in the state to ensure the safe return of the abducted children

• He is expected to be back in the country within a short time

Niger State Governor, Sani Bello has jetted out of Nigeria, few hours after the kidnap of students from Saliu Tanko Islamic school on Sunday, May 30.

His aide, Mary Noel-Berje stated that the governor travelled outside the country to find solutions to the security challenges in his state.

“The governor, who had left the country to explore all possibilities of strengthening the state’s security architecture before the incident happened, is expected back soon,” Mary disclosed.

She added that the governor has directed the security operatives and state government officials to do all they can towards ensuring the safe return of the abducted children.

“The governor, who is expected back in the country within the shortest period of time, has assured the rescue and safe return of the children.

“Governor Sani Bello also assured all Nigerlites that the government will continue to do all it can to protect the lives and property of its citizens while guaranteeing the continued peace and stability of the state.

“While assuring the parents of the abducted children of their safe return as the security agencies have been directed to do all it can to bring back the children as soon as possible, the governor also urged the citizens to cooperate and share intelligence and information that will help in the quick rescue of the children,” she concluded.

The armed bandits abducted school children of the Islamic school in Tegina, a town in the Niger State.

According to reports, the bandits first attacked the police station in the town and went round the town shooting sporadically into the air to scare residents before breaking into the school.