Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has felicitated Christians in Niger State and beyond on the Easter celebration, calling on them to sustain prayers to God for an end to insecurity in the state in particular and the nation at large.
The governor, in an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, noted that Easter was a significant celebration observed by Christians to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was the hallmark of the Christian faith.
He observed that the season depicts love, sacrifice, and forgiveness as epitomised by Jesus Christ.
While felicitating with the Christians, the governor called on them to use the Easter season to solemnly reflect and imbibe all the virtues of Jesus Christ.
He restated his administration's unwavering resolve to confront the security challenges bedevilling the state and also assured that he was not resting on his oars to ensure that his policy thrusts for the "New Niger" were achieved.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has, on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, visited some areas in Shiroro Local Government that were bedevilled by a series of bandit attacks.
During the visit on Friday, the Deputy Governor interacted with various security personnel on duty, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), community leaders, religious groups, women, and youths in Erena, Bagna, Galadima Kogo, Zumba, and Gwada communities, all under Shiroro local government.
He expressed deep sympathy over the recent attacks on Bassa, Allawa, and Madaka communities, describing the attacks as heinous crimes against law-abiding citizens of the state.
The Deputy Governor described the attack as terrorism, which he said was man's inhumanity to man, and commended the security forces for their selflessness, resilience, and dedication to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Nigerian nation.
"The fight against terrorism is like a war, and there are several battles in a war in which we may win some and lose some.
"But the ultimate goal is to win the war, and we are well aware of this as we have renewed our commitment to ensuring that terrorism is tamed and that we shall achieve by the grace of Allah," he declared.
Comrade Yakubu also emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is to provide welfare and protect the lives and properties of the people, adding that it is a sacred duty upon the government to entrench the spirit of this constitutional provision.
"The government is doing a lot, and we are optimistic that in no distant time we shall have cause to glorify Allah," he added.
He urged leaders at all levels to be responsive to their responsibilities, particularly in watching out for suspicious characters in their respective communities.
