By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago says that the state has suffered more than Borno state from the effects of the activities of bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor stated this when he received the management team from the Victims Support Fund (VSF) on a courtesy call on Thursday in Minna.
Bago who blamed the activities of illegal miners in the state as exasperating insecurity also said that it was also taking a toll on the state’s economy.
In his words, “A lot of our stories have not been told to the world but the truth is that we are worse hit than even Borno state. Niger State is sitting on the biggest landmass in Nigeria.
“Interestingly, Niger happens to be in a location where cattle rearing is easy because of the body of water we have.
“The highest number of cattle at a point in time in the world are in Niger state. These people have taken advantage of our people. They have weapons, they have been infiltrated by Boko Haram elements and are degrading our land.
“Illegal mining is also taking a toll on our economy, a lot of foreigners who are mining lithium, gold, and other minerals are responsible for all these activities.”
The governor, who lamented that the state government was battling to meet up with the needs of displaced persons called for support to address the humanitarian crisis.
“As a government, we are looking for interventions beyond what has already been mapped out for our state. We want a holistic approach. We have the highest number of out-of-school children.
“The scourge of banditry is eating up our people. The state government is spending so much already to resist these miscreants so we are calling on all international partners and well-meaning Nigerians to please look at our situation in Niger state,” he said.
In her remarks, the Executive Director, of VSF, Prof. Nana Tanko said that the VSF, having assessed the situation in the state has resolved to intervene in three local government areas namely Shiroro, Lapai, and Kontagora.
She stated that the VSF, as it’s initial response to the humanitarian crisis in the state will supply food items to 1,000 households in each of the three local government areas.
She said that the fund, as a long-term plan has proposed livelihood support which will see to the development of skilled entrepreneurship, support for agriculture, and energy development.
“This is where we will spend the bulk of our resources. We are looking to see to the development of skilled entrepreneurship in these areas, the provision of energy-saving devices, and the provision of farm inputs.
“We have been working in the point of early recovery, which is helping people to get back to their communities and build their livelihood again.
“In Niger, we have helped children go back to school, supported educational infrastructure, livelihood support for many households as well psycho-social support to the state,” she said.
She disclosed that the VSF will round up its activities by 2025.
“We are hoping that we will be able to support the state government before then,” she said.
