From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the country needs proactive and decisive measures to end banditry, particularly the criminal elements hiding in forests.
Speaking when he paid a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, the former governor of Kano State outlined strategy centred on offensive security operations and praised Governor Bago’s efforts in maintaining peace within the state despite its vast landmass and numerous forests.
Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, expressed concern about the security agencies’ reactive approach.
He advocated military intervention in forests, as successfully implemented during his tenure as Kano governor, where the Falgore Forest was transformed into a military training ground, eliminating criminal activities in the area.
“We are here to pray to our friend, our brother and the good people of Niger State. We sincerely condole with the government and the good people of Niger, the families of the deceased and the injured ones.
“We appreciate how you keep Niger state safe because Niger State has the largest land mass and with the highest numbers of forest in the country which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs.
“The solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forest, why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive? When I was the governor of Kano State, I requested through the Federal Government that the military should take over Falgore Forest and the military built a military training ground there that was how bandits were chased away from that forest and Kano is at peace.”
Ganduje also conveyed condolences to the people of Niger State over the recent tanker explosion that claimed numerous lives, offering prayers and support to the families of the victims.
Governor Bago appreciated the solidarity of the APC leadership and urged the Federal Government to address critical infrastructure such as the deplorable nature of the Suleja-Minna road, to reduce accidents and improve safety in the state.