NIGER: Govt to resist sabotage of planned Bobi grazing reserve

THE state has said it would not succumb to, but resist any attempt to sabotage its efforts towards the development and actualisation of the multi-million-dollar Bobi Grazing Reserve located in Mariga/Mashegu Local Government Areas.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mary Noel-Berje in a statement released today said that Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, during a visit to the Reserve, Monday, acknowledged the increasing cases of armed banditry in some parts of the state and assured that government will do whatever it takes to secure the place.

Bello said the state government is not leaving anything to chance as the bandits may be out to undermine the progress that is being made on the over 34,000 hectares facility.

“Without having to give details, I can assure you that we are committed and determined to put in place high-level security measures that will safeguard both government and private sector investments here,” stated the governor.

The governor also urged the recognised Fulani communities within the grazing reserve to embrace the Ruga Settlement Programme for their socioeconomic prosperity and in the overall interest of the state.

He further charged them to be vigilant and security conscious, protect all facilities and equipment in the reserve, be accommodative but cautious in harbouring those ‘wicked’ people who may be out to disrupt the arrangements.

In response, the leader of the Fulanis in the Bobi Grazing Reserve, Malam Ardo Abubakar, expressed optimism that the project will be a huge success.

“We have witnessed the planting and harvest of the Pastures, we have also seen the reality of artificial insemination and crossbreeding, and we are convinced about it potentials as a lucrative and dependable business”, he said.