NIGERIA: KEBBI GOVERNOR ON OFR AND TERRORIST

UNCLAS ABUJA 002331

SIPDIS


NOFORN
SENSITIVE


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR PTER SL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: KEBBI GOVERNOR ON OFR AND TERRORIST
ATTACKS

REF: A. ABUJA 2297

B. ABUJA 2218

C. ABUJA 2300

D. IIR 7 800 0293 01


SENSITIVE/NOFORN - PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY



1. (SBU/NF) Alhaji Mohammed Aleiro, Governor of Kebbi State,
15 September returned PolMilOff's call from earlier in the
week. PolMilOff noted that in the wake of the terrorist
attacks against the United States, some press reports had
indicated that there had been some celebrations of the
attacks in the Palestinian territories and in Zamfara State.
A clearly shocked Aleiro, having just returned from President
Obasanjo's two-day visit to Zamfara, stated, "I was just
there. I had not heard that."



2. (SBU/NF) PolMilOff noted that, because of recent events,
there was some concern for the well-being of the Operation
Focus Relief trainers who would be coming to Birnin-Kebbi
soon. Aleiro said, "We condemn the attacks in the strongest
terms. Islam is peaceful." Aleiro stated that the people of
Kebbi were "a welcoming people" and that they were "really
sympathizing with the victims of the attacks." He added that
he had sent a condolence letter to the Ambassador. Finally,
Governor Aleiro emphasized that he was willing to do anything
he could to help track down the perpetrators of the attacks,
if they were in any way connected to Nigeria.



3. (U) Freetown minimize considered.
Andrews