Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has come under criticism after a video captured him verbally insulting his Director of Protocol, Abdullahi Yarima, during a security council meeting at the Government House in Minna.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, was recorded on video obtained by SaharaReporters. In the clip, Governor Bago, speaking in Hausa, is heard telling Yarima: “Yarima, you lack sense, you are very stupid.”

Video Leak Leads to Cameraman’s Suspension

According to sources, the footage was first circulated on WhatsApp by Abdullahi Umar, a cameraman with Channels TV. His decision to share the clip reportedly led to his suspension.

“The governor didn’t include Abdullahi in his trip to New Bussa to visit the family of the kidnapped pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School. That made him angry, so he began sharing the video,” one source claimed.

Background: Mass Abduction of Schoolchildren

The governor’s remarks came shortly after the tragic abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, on November 21, 2025. At least 303 pupils and 12 staff members were kidnapped by armed men, although more than 50 pupils later escaped.

Security forces, including the military and the Niger State Police Command, have since been deployed to rescue those still missing.

Governor’s Accusations Against Protocol Director

Sources said Governor Bago accused Yarima of gossiping and engaging in improper side conversations. Following the confrontation, he reportedly urged Channels TV management to redeploy Abdullahi Umar from his posting at the Government House.

There were also concerns about Umar’s alleged unauthorised use of the Channels TV logo in the leaked video.

Previous Controversies Surrounding Governor Bago

This is not the first time Governor Bago has faced public criticism. He has previously been accused of falsely claiming to have paid graduate assistants working on his farm and of directing police to press charges against student activist Isah Mokwa.