NIGER: Saraki visits Bello, says national unity crucial in tackling insecurity

FORMER Senate President, Dr.Abubakar Bukola Saraki has condemned the series of abductions rocking the state.

The former Kwara State governor, said it would take collective and concerted efforts, through national unity, to end the  current menace of banditry and other criminal acts

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of On her State, Mary Noel-Berje, Saraki spoke when he led members of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on a sympathy visit to Bello over the recent abductions in his state.

“This matter is a national problem and should not only be left to the Government, everybody even opposition, we should all come together and give support.

“When people are kidnapped they don’t ask them if they are APC or PDP,  they are Nigerians and as such we must have a national approach, we are all ready and willing to contribute our role”, the statement quoted Saraki to have said.

 Saraki called on Government at all levels to improve on technology and intelligence as well as provide initiative to tackle the problem.

The former Senate President prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped victims.

Speaking in a similar vein, Governor Sani Bello said the peace of the country should be made paramount as political activities can only thrive in a peaceful society.

Bello appreciated the solidarity visit from the opposition and for their concern which adding that it was “a way forward for national unity.”

He said he still worried that the victims were still in captivity, but said that there is light at the end of tunnel as Sheik Ahmed Gumi has offered to assist with the release of the victims.

The Governor said that the bandits were having a field day in the state which was a result of its large size of landmass as they operate freely before help will come.

Among the members of the that came along with the Senator Saraki were, the former governors of Niger State, Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, Cross River, Sen Liyel Imoke, Katsina, Ibrahim Shema, Gombe, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Leader National House of Representatives, Mulikat Akanbi.

The Committee members had earlier visited the Former Military President and Fomer Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar at their uphill residents.