Gov Zulum suspends French INGO, seals hotel used for training shooters.
Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate suspension of ACTED, a French international Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) following the discovery on Saturday that the group was using a hotel in Maiduguri for training some persons on shooting.
Zulum’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, who announced the Governor’s directive in a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday said the INGO was allegedly using toy guns and simulators in training exercises at a hotel located off Circular Road the state capital, Maiduguri.
Gusau explained that residents near the hotel had reported to officials that they were often hearing sounds of gunshots from the hotel.
He said that following this development, the incident was reported to the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters which oversees the hotel’s location.
According to the statement, the police found some toy pistols at the hotel while two trainers, both Nigerians, were arrested and taken to the police station while investigation was ongoing
It said pending the outcome of police investigation, Gov. Zulum has directed sealing off the hotel and suspending ACTED from any humanitarian activity in Borno State.
Gusau noted that the governor acknowledges and deeply appreciates the roles of credible iNGOs which have been providing critical humanitarian interventions in different parts of Borno.
He assured them of government’s continued cooperation and support while also upholding obedience to prevailing laws, policies and rules guiding all activities and actions across the state.
