Insecurity: Niger bans horse riding during festivals

Abubakar Bello, Niger governor, has banned horse riding during festivals due to the rising insecurity in the state.

Horse riding is a popular activity in the north, especially during Sallah festivals.

However, in recent times, Niger has recorded an increase in attacks by bandits on several communities across the state, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents.

In a statement on Friday, Ahmed Matane, secretary to the Niger governor, said the state took the decision as a result of complaints that some persons take advantage of the festivals to cause crisis during celebrations.

“The decision to ban the traditional horse riding followed several complaints received by the government where some unscrupulous elements, hiding under these celebrations, wreak havoc and carry out nefarious activities on law-abiding citizens of the State,” he said.

Matane urged the public to comply with the government’s directive, and warned horse owners, and parents with wards against defying the order as defaulters will be sanctioned, while affected horses will be confiscated.

While emphasising the need to obey the order, he said the present administration cannot fold its arms and watch some irresponsible elements perpetrate their nefarious activities.

“Government would not succumb to any security threat in whatever forms and would deal decisively in responding to such threats, ” he said.

Matane assured residents that all forms of criminality will be addressed, and urged the people to pray for an end to insecurity.