The recent attacks in Kagara in Niger State claimed the lives of two soldiers, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Governor Abubakar Bello confirmed the death of the two soldiers and others who were injured when he visited 12 of the injured soldiers who were receiving treatment at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital, Minna.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, the governor said that the injured soldiers were responding to treatment and will be on their feet in no distant time.
Bello, who expressed sadness over the situation, disclosed that some of the injured soldiers were taken to Kaduna for medical attention.
He, however, noted that the bandits also suffered heavy casualty, but he did not mention the exact number.
The governor maintained that the bandits had alliance with terrorists, considering their increasing number and the way they plan and carry out their attacks.
He said that the situation called for review, adding that aside the efforts being made, a support system will be instituted for those deprived of their livelihood through banditry or cattle rustling.
The governor, however, enjoined the citizens to be security conscious and be mindful of their environment, and to always report any suspicious activities around them; pointing out that the war against terror is for all and not for the security agencies alone, warning that the situation is a threat to everyone.
He also raised concerns over some rural communities which, for fear of attack, harbour bandits; warning that it will not last for long.
“Very soon, we will tag those communities as same elements as bandits. If you are harbouring any bandits and you know, you are one, even if you don’t carry gun, because you are risking the lives of our security agents.
“We have lost quite a few of them since it started and we don’t intend to lose more. What we are calling for is a safe environment and for everyone to support the ongoing operation by the security agents,” he said.
The governor also visited others, including a victim of gas explosion from Kagara, at the surgical ward of the hospital who has been on admission for over two months.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello has expressed dismay over the condition of the hospital which, he said, had gulped huge amount of money to renovate a few years back.
He said that the issue will be investigated, as he believes that something is fundamentally wrong and someone is not doing his job.
“I am extremely angry because I remember that when we came, we spent a lot of money to renovate the entire hospital and in less than four years, for this hospital to be like this, then something is fundamentally wrong.
“So, I’m not happy and I’m angry; very angry,” he said.
The governor also ordered immediate repair of the dialysis machines in the hospital and directed the Commissioner for Finance to release funds immediately to that effect.