By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Family and relatives of the deposed President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum have expressed worry over his condition, saying nothing has been heard about him ever since his alleged plan to escape from detention was foiled.
Mr Bazoum, along with his wife and son, had since the July 26 coup been restricted within the presidential palace located in the country’s capital.
Report emerged on 19 October alleging that Bazoum attempted to flee with his family, cooks and security via helicopter, an attempt that was thwarted.
There has been a consistent call within and outside Niger for the release of Bazoum but the Abdourahamane Tchiani-led junta has kept him in detention.
Since the coup, the former president’s relatives have spoken out about the “abusive” treatment they have dealt with at the hands of the new military regime.
The family lawyer, Ould Salem said there was a worrying “fixation on President Bazoum’s family” by the military authorities.
Mr Said has filed a legal complaint over the treatment.
The regional West African bloc, ECOWAS has urged the coup leaders to restore Mr Bazoum to the presidency.
Militant Islamist groups have gained ground by controlling territory in parts of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Niger’s military junta cited the worsening security situation as a reason for their takeover in July.
