Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammmadu Buhari, has expressed worries over the safety of the deposed president of the Republic of Niger, Mohammed Bazoum and his family.

Recall that military officers in the Republic of Niger announced a coup on national television after they deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

They announced the immediate dissolution of the constitution, suspended all institutions, and locked the borders of the country.

In response to the ugly development in Niger, Nigeria’s neighbour to the north, Buhari, in a statement on Friday by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, expressed optimism that the “unwanted situation” would be reversed and the safety and wellbeing of President Bazoum and his family would be guaranteed.

He said: “As to be expected, I, just like millions of other Nigerians, am shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic, our neighbor to the North.

“Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider subregion, and equally so, about the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family.

“I and my family are as much concerned about these as is everyone else. It is heartening to note that the ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already dealing effectively with the matter and our hope and prayers are that the unwanted situation will be completely reversed and the safety and wellbeing of President Bazoum and his family are ensured,” the former President said.