By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Niger State Government has assured citizens of the state of its resolve to fight banditry and other forms of criminality in the state, even as it commiserated with the families of the victims of the banditry attack on Ukuru village in Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

Ukuru village came under attack by the bandits, who reportedly killed 15 persons.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, quoted the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, as saying: “Though tackling insecurity as it has to do with banditry, falls within the purview of all levels of government and all citizens, the state government has invested heavily in the fight against insecurity by supporting the Federal Government’s efforts.

“Besides the numerous steps, including boosting the morale of the troops on the frontline, the Governor Sani-Bello-led government has collaborated effectively with President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of Nigeria.”

The Governor said his heart bleeds for the dead, adding, however, that it is not a hopeless case as his administration, in conjunction with the Federal Government and security agencies, continues to fine-tune strategies for combating the menace.

He assured that with the recent procurement of fighter helicopters and other sophisticated weapons by Federal Government, the war against banditry and other forms of security threat in the country will soon witness renewed vigour.

He urged the people to be vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities of those alien to their environment and communities to the security agencies for prompt action.

Governor Sani-Bello had earlier this week embarked on inspection tour of Super Camp 4 Operation Sahel Sanity, in Faskari, Katsina State.

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