Niger Govt denies attacks by gunmen on Gov Bago’s convoy

The Niger State Government has refuted the news making the rounds in some media outlets and on social media that the convoy of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago was attacked by suspected bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the government described the news as baseless, false and unfounded.

“The convoy of the Governor has been having a smooth tour of ongoing projects across the Niger North Senatorial District since last week.

“The governor’s tour has been peaceful with no incident of any attack or threat to his safety or that of his team,” Bologi insisted.

He maintained that Governor Bago has rather been enjoying a warm reception from community members in all places visited so far.

Bologi explained that security personnel, with the cooperation of local law enforcement personnel, have also been resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all participants in the tour.

“It is unfortunate that some media practitioners are so unethical, disseminating false and misleading information to the public,” he said.

DAILY POST recalls that some media outlets reported that Governor Bago’s convoy was allegedly attacked by suspected bandits while returning from Egede community in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The convoy, which included the governor and his team, was said to have been ambushed when they took a wrong turn into a bushy area, prompting the bandits to open fire sporadically on their vehicles and fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to the report, which has now been debunked, the incident occurred as the governor was heading back to Kontagora in Niger North senatorial district, after the inspection tour of projects initiated by his administration in Zone C.