The Emir of Minna in Niger state, Umar Faruk Bahago has reacted to Tuesdays robbery attack on his palace asking his subjects to remain calm and law abiding.
Armed robbers had stormed the palace on Tuesday evening shooting into the air after which they made away with money meant for the June salaries of emirate staff and the upkeeps of the emirate.
Two palace guards were shot by the robbers and are receiving treatment at the Minna general hospital.
Commenting on the incident, Bahago through the Ajiyan Minna, Ilyasu Abubakar Dhacko admonished his subjects to go about their lawful businesses without any let or hindrance, saying that the security operatives in the state have already begun investigation into the incident.
According to the Emir, “we should all await the outcome of the investigation by the security operatives, they have been here I know they will get to the root of the matter”.
Bahago commiserate with the two palace guards injured by the robbers and asked “All to pray for their quick recovery”.
The traditional ruler said payment of the salaries of the emirate staff ”will not be a problem” adding that “we will find a way out very soon”.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in his reaction described the incident as “highly unfortunate to have this kind of situation not just in the state capital but at the Emir’s Palace.
“My administration will not condone this act. I charge the security agencies to investigate and fish out the criminals with a view to prosecuting them”, the governor said in a statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim.
Governor Umar Bago said his administration “will not fold its hands and allow criminals to inflict pains and sorrow on innocent residents of the state” before asking the people to be security conscious.
Giving an account as to how the incident occurred the State Police Command said.
In a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun the command said that “a gang of about five armed robbers reportedly trailed Minna palace cashier with a Toyota Camry vehicle from a commercial bank where he went to withdraw some amount of money.
“He (Cashier) was blocked at the palace gate, and the robbers fired some gunshots in the air, while they forcefully took the money from him and escaped from the scene.
“The cashier is undergoing interrogation at the Police Area Command office, Minna with a view to ascertain the details of the incident, as investigation is ongoing to get to the root of the matter”, DSP Abiodun said without mentioning those injured.
The exact amount of the money carted away by the robbers is yet to be known.
