US embassy cable - 01ABUJA2331

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