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