Killings, abductions escalate in Niger as Borgu communities seek military base

abandon homes for safety

The Borgu Emirate, in collaboration with Christian and Muslim communities across Borgu and Agwara Local Councils of Niger State, has urged the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to urgently address the incessant attacks, killings and abductions of innocent citizens by terrorists.

More than 40 people have been killed in recent attacks, with residents abandoning their homes amid fears of renewed assaults.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, speaking to journalists at a world press conference at the weekend in Suleja, appealed for the establishment of a fully equipped military base in Agwara Local Council, the fortification of police stations, and the immediate deployment of well-manned security checkpoints.

Yohanna also called for the provision of adequate security personnel, necessary logistics, and collaboration with local stakeholders to restore lasting peace, while urging the National Assembly and key federal representatives to intervene swiftly.

He commended the media for amplifying “the truth and the real happenings” in Agwara and the entire Borgu Emirate in the past few months, and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his initial directives to the Service Chiefs to address insecurity in the area, but emphasised that concrete action is urgently required to protect lives and property.

“All schools in the entire area remain closed down; social and economic activities were also crippled. The people of Agwara deserve to live without fear. Our children deserve a secure future as it is their right to quality education. People need to farm their lands and to sleep peacefully in their homes. Our people have abandoned their comfort zones and have re-located to neighbouring villages for fear of the unknown,” he said.

Representative of the Borgu Emirate Council, Prince Murtala Dantoro, alongside a representative of the Muslim community of the Borgu Emirate, Muhammad Ibrahim Sani, highlighted the devastating impact of banditry on the communities. They urged government and security agencies to act swiftly to end the attacks, which have displaced residents and disrupted their livelihoods.

“Mr President, we do not come in anger, we come in hope, we do not make demands, but appeal. We do not seek confrontation, we seek partnership. Borgu Kingdom believes in Nigeria, we believe in your leadership, we believe that our cries will not fall on deaf ears,” they said. (Guardian)