Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has called on members of the Fulani community to cooperate fully with security agencies as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the community in Minna, the governor expressed concern that many victims of kidnapping often identify Fulani men as those responsible for their abduction, a situation he said is damaging the reputation of the wider Fulani population.

He urged community leaders and residents to encourage anyone involved in criminal activities to leave the forests and embrace peaceful living within society.

According to him, innocent Fulani people who engage in legitimate activities such as cattle grazing, farming and business should not allow criminals to operate in their communities without reporting them.

Bago warned that residents should promptly alert security agencies whenever they notice armed strangers or suspicious individuals instead of remaining silent.He stressed that everyone has a responsibility to support efforts to restore peace and security.

The governor also addressed the role of religious leaders, appealing to Islamic clerics to avoid public disagreements and sermons capable of provoking violence or creating tension among residents.He warned that the state government would not hesitate to shut down any mosque found to be promoting inflammatory preaching.

Bago explained that these measures are intended to strengthen security, improve cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies, and preserve peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups living in Niger State.