The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has donated N10 million to the victims of recent bandit attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area (LGA). The donation, made on behalf of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, is aimed at providing support to communities in Bobi, Kasuwan Garba, Wamba Mangoro, and Bangi, which were severely impacted by the attacks.

Sarkindaji visited the affected areas to offer condolences and assess the damage. He sympathized with the families who lost loved ones, particularly the five vigilantes and three farmers killed during an ambush by bandits.
The farmers were attacked while harvesting their crops, and the vigilantes were killed while responding to distress calls. In addition to the N10 million donation, the Speaker presented several motorcycles to local vigilantes to improve their ability to patrol the area and respond swiftly to threats.
During his visit, Sarkindaji condemned the ongoing escalation of banditry in the region. He noted that forests in the Mariga and Kontagora local government areas are still occupied by armed bandits who continue to terrorize communities, destroying property and killing innocent residents. He described the recent attacks as “heartless and wicked” and called for urgent action to address the security situation.

While acknowledging the efforts of local security forces, the Speaker called for additional security deployments to Mariga and Kontagora, particularly as farmers are now in the midst of their harvest season and face heightened risks of further attacks. Sarkindaji stressed that the state government cannot tackle the problem alone and appealed to the federal government for additional support.

Sarkindaji was accompanied by Niger State APC Chairman Hon. Aminu Musa Bobi, Mariga LGA Chairman Hon. Abbas Adamu Kasuwan Garba, and other political leaders from the area. He concluded his visit by assuring the people that the state government remains committed to resolving the security crisis and restoring peace to the region.

The Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, has commended the Boys Brigade of Nigeria as a moral training ground for Christian youths, emphasizing its potential to address youth restiveness and insecurity in the country.

Speaking during the annual Concert for 99 Trumpeters and the Investiture of State Patrons of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Niger Council, held at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Good News Church in Minna, Governor Bago who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Afiniki Dauda, highlighted the critical role of moral upbringing.

He stressed that the widespread involvement of youths in drugs, crime, and banditry stems from poor moral foundations and lack of parental guidance.
“Until we instill the fear of God and proper moral training in our youths, the challenges we face as a society will persist,” he noted.

The governor, who served as the Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade, lauded the organization for instilling discipline and Christian values in young people. He urged religious institutions to continue shaping the lives of youths for a better society. “Unemployment is not an excuse for crime or social vices,” he said, calling on the Boys Brigade to uphold moral discipline as “soldiers of Christ.”

The President of the Boys Brigade, Niger State Council, and former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, emphasized the importance of engaging youths in productive ventures.
He announced plans for the organization to venture into agriculture during the next farming season.

“With presence in 17 out of 25 local government areas in the state, farming will not only generate funds for our activities but also provide food for our members,” Vatsa said. He affirmed that moral training combined with economic engagement would help youths steer clear of crime and drug abuse.
Delivering a sermon based on the event’s theme, Resounding Joy, Rev. Dr. Solomon Bitiyong, State Chaplain of the Boys Brigade, reminded attendees of the consequences of abandoning God. He urged the Boys Brigade to serve God with joy and called on the newly inaugurated state patrons to advance the mission of Christ’s kingdom.

The ceremony featured the inauguration of 50 newly appointed state patrons of the Boys Brigade, marking a significant step in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its moral and social impact in Niger State.

The Boys Brigade has remained steadfast in its mission to foster disciplined, God-fearing youth while contributing to societal development.

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa of Niger East Senatorial District has praised the decision of Works Minister David Umahi to revoke the stalled contract for the dualization of the 83-kilometer Minna-Suleja road, calling the move a “long-overdue intervention” in Niger State.

In a statement released Monday in Minna, Senator Musa highlighted that the contract, initially awarded in 2010 to Salini Nigeria Construction Company, had seen minimal progress despite the road’s deteriorating condition, which has led to frequent accidents and fatalities. According to Musa, Umahi’s decision offers renewed hope to the people of Niger State and showcases the minister’s commitment to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Road Master Plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Minister has taken a decisive step to address an urgent issue that has troubled the people of Niger State for over a decade,” Musa stated. “This revocation represents a commitment to ensure effective project delivery for the benefit of our communities.”

Senator Musa, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, noted that Minister Umahi recently convened a meeting with key stakeholders in Abuja to discuss challenges impeding 10 federal road projects across Niger State. During the meeting, former Niger State Governor Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago presented updates on each project, highlighting specific delays and the need for improved contractor performance.

Musa commended Minister Umahi’s firm stance on accountability, stating that the minister reprimanded underperforming contractors and staff within the ministry. Umahi reportedly warned that anyone found hindering project progress would face disciplinary action, including possible referrals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a proactive response, Minister Umahi ordered the redesign and re-awarding of the Suleja-Lambatta-Minna road (Phases 1 & 2) and directed the contractor for the Bida-Lapai-Lambatta road to immediately resume work from the Bida-Lapai axis. Additionally, the minister committed to securing more funds for the Mokwa-Makera-Tegina road project in the 2025 budget.

Other local leaders, including APC chieftain and former Niger State Commissioner for Information Jonathan Vatsa, applauded President Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing infrastructure needs in the state. Vatsa contrasted this approach with the previous administration, stating that “despite strong support for President Buhari, Niger State saw little progress in essential areas like road development. President Tinubu’s actions are giving us hope.”

Senator Musa acknowledged the strong leadership of Governor Umar Bago, who, along with the state’s federal representatives, has worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that federal road projects in Niger are prioritized and meet quality standards. Musa concluded by urging the people of Niger State to support these developments, which he described as a turning point for road infrastructure in the region.