EXTORTION :: Gov. Bago told to Save Zabarmawa from Immigration officials ..
Niger State Government has been called upon to come to the rescue of Zabarmawa communities living in the state from illegal eviction from their ancestral place of birth by the Nigeria Immigration officials.
The call was made by His Royal Highness, Dr Aliyu Abubakar, The King of Zabarma of 17 state of Nigeria in an exclusive interview with journalists during the Annual general meeting of Niger state Zabarmawa Traders Cooperative Apex limited, held at Justice legbo Kutigi International conference Hall Minna, Niger state.
HRH Aliyu Abubakar said the call had become necessary due to frequent reports of extortion received from Zabarmawa communities residing in Lavun, Mokwa, Mashegu and Kontagora local government areas of the State as a result of forcefull registration and extortion of Zabarmawa ethnics of the state who are regarded as migrants from Niger republic by the Nigeria immigration service officials and subjected to monthly levy and tax.
According to Dr Aliyu Abubakar,the indigenous Zabarmawa of Nigerian who are living in Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara states are known to be business men, farmers and law abiding citizens in the state they live.
He mentioned that in the local government areas of the state were Zabarmawa are indegins they risk been evicted or their Nationality been changed from Nigeria to Niger Republic if they refused to bribe Immigration officials who visit their villages to collect the illegal levy or tax.
He observed that unless the Farmer Governor, RT Hon Umaru Bago of Niger state intervene, Zabarmawa communities in the state shall be wiped off by the Nigeria Immigration service officials.
He stated that indigenous Zabarmawa in their various state,are known in their localities as peaceful people and business oriented,hence immigration officials should always spare them from their whatsoever exercise they are carrying out.
He further commended the role traditional institutions particularly the Etsu Nupe Dr Yahaya Abubakar, the Chairman, Niger state council of traditional rulers have been rendering Zabarmawa in the state.
He then enjoined Zabarmawa communities residing in Niger and Kaduna state to always be law abiding citizens and to report any person with suspicious activity amongst them to the law enforcement agencies and go about their lawfull business, adding that law is there to catch up with any person who might violate it.
He assured Farmer Governor Umaru Bago of Zabarmawa residing in Niger state of their unflinching support and cooperation to enable him accomplished his New Niger Agenda.