Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, has provided reason behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Borgu Local Government Area.
Newsbuka reports that the attack last week led to the killing of several people and others abducted.
Governor Bago who spoke after a courtesy visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Dantoro, said the market was widely known for the sale of stolen cattle, which made it a target for rival bandit groups.
While describing the incident as tragic, Bago said it is unfortunate it happened less than two months that people were murdered and slaughtered in market square.
He claimed the attack was carried out by bandits who were fighting over control of the illegal cattle trade, stressing that the main concern was the loss of lives.
Governor Bago said the government had now understood the root of the problem and warned traditional authorities to be more careful.
Speaking on security measures put in place, the governor said communities around the Kainji Lake forest have been asked to relocate within the next two months, revealing that this would allow security agencies to clear the area of criminals.
Governor Bago cautioned that there could be serious consequences if residents refuse to co-operate, adding that relocation plans by the government and the Emirate must be followed.
He also said the attack should serve as a warning to traditional rulers, calling on them not to allow strangers to settle in their areas without proper background checks.
