Reports of bandits threatening Niger residents, false — Police

The Niger State Police Command has responded to a publication circulating on social media and in some national dailies, alleging that bandits ordered residents of M.I. Wushishi Estate to vacate or face death.

The command has clarified that this information is entirely false.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident in question occurred on September 2, 2024, at around 1400 hours.

A distress call was received reporting that some illegal miners attempted to gain entrance into M.I. Wushishi Estate in Minna for illegal mining activities.

The residents of the estate resisted, which led to a confrontation. Unfortunately, this altercation resulted in the death of one of the miscreants and damage to some houses and vehicles in the estate.

SP Abiodun clarified in a press statement issued in Minna on Wednesday that as soon as the police received the distress call, patrol teams led by DPO Maitumbi were promptly mobilised to the scene.

The miscreants were dispersed, and normalcy was restored. Police patrol teams have since been stationed in the area to prevent any recurrence and to maintain peace.

The Police Command expressed disappointment over the misrepresentation of the incident as bandit-related in some news reports. The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has urged the public to disregard the false publication, stressing that there was no such threat.

He further urged journalists to verify their reports and practice responsible journalism in the interest of national security.

He emphasised the importance of avoiding unnecessary panic and tension that could deter tourism and business activities in the capital city and the state as a whole.

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