A Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), has denied having any link with armed bandits and any other terrorists group in Niger State, describing reports linking him with their activities as “false, unfounded” and fake news.
According to a statement by Abdulsalami in Minna, signed by his media aide, Dr Yakubu Suleiman, alleged that some selected online media had linked him to a purported arrested helicopter supplying food and weapons to bandits in parts of the state.
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The General in the statement disassociated himself from such “a heinous crime that is unbecoming of any patriotic citizen”, stressing that ordinarily, he would have ignored such spurious reports but has to set the record straight.
“This kind of fake news has the potential of aggravating the already tense security situation in the country and should not be condoned,” he said.
He, however, expressed regret how individuals could peddle such news and smear the image and character of people, adding that “I urge Nigerians to ignore such treacherous acts and to be careful with the kind of information they dish out and share on Social Media”.
He also urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for enduring peace in Nigeria, saying that no nation could attain greatness without peace and security of lives and property.
Prayer session over insecurity
Meanwhile, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has declared a special weekly prayer session across the eight emirate councils in the State to seek God’s intervention to end insecurity in the State.
Bello, who flagged off the special prayers session which had in attendance, Islamic scholars, state government officials, traditional leaders as well as other stakeholders at the central mosque in Minna, said there was an urgent need to seek God’s intervention in the security situation in the state, and country in general.
The special prayer led by the Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque, Mallam Ibrahim Isah Fari, also featured recitation of some verses from the Holy Qur’an and supplications for God’s intervention in security challenges
confronting the Nation.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the prayers, Governor Bello reiterated the need for all and sundry not to relent in fervent prayers to God Almighty even as he disclosed that the state and federal governments were not leaving any stone unturned towards ending security challenges in the state.
The Governor noted that significant progress was being achieved in restoring normalcy to some troubled areas in the state, explaining that the prayer session would continue even after Ramadan fast.
