Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, has made a compassionate decision to suspend the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir durbar in order to sympathize with the victims of banditry within the emirate.
This decision comes as a result of the relentless bandit attacks that have plagued Paikoro, Munya, and Shiroro LGAs in Niger State, which are all under the jurisdiction of the Minna Emirate.
Just recently, a distressing incident unfolded as bandits attacked Kaffin-Koro LGA and the surrounding communities in Paikoro LGA, resulting in the abduction of numerous farmers, many of whom remain in captivity.
In light of these harrowing circumstances, Alhaji Yusuf Tanko Kuta, the Kimiyan Minna, revealed during an interview on Prestige FM Radio’s program “Tsalle Daya” that the emirate had already made arrangements to hold the annual Sallah durbar.
However, following the kidnapping of numerous residents from rural areas, the emir felt compelled to halt the festivities.
Kuta explained, “Several months ago, bandits launched an attack on Kaffin-Koro and nearby communities, during which individuals were kidnapped. Unfortunately, these captives have not yet been rescued. More recently, the abductors released a distressing video that quickly went viral, showcasing the inhumane treatment inflicted upon these innocent victims.”
He continued, “The emir shares in the pain experienced by his people, even though some have criticized the emirate council for not organizing a Sallah durbar in recent years. However, as a compassionate leader, His Royal Highness recognized that it would be inappropriate to proceed with the durbar while impoverished farmers from his domain remain held captive for months.”
Kuta emphasized that the emir is regularly updated by district heads on the security situation in the bandit-infested communities within the emirate. These reports were carefully considered before the decision to suspend the durbar was made.
Musa Adamu Maikudi Achaza (Hadimi Minna), the spokesperson of Minna Metro Security Watch, a security outfit established by the emir to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, expressed how deeply the emir empathizes with his people, who have been subjected to frequent attacks by bandits.
Achaza stated, “One can only imagine the emir proceeding with the Sallah durbar while these individuals from rural areas, who are integral to the festivities, are now captives or have even lost their lives. It would be tantamount to celebrating on their graves. The public must comprehend the emir’s sentiments.”
The emir’s decision to suspend the Eid-el-Kabir durbar serves as a powerful statement of solidarity with the victims of banditry, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and his acknowledgment of the ongoing security challenges faced by the emirate.
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