Youths in Niger State have raised a distressing cry over the relentless and audacious attacks on their communities by suspected bandits and terrorists.
The youths, speaking under the umbrella of the Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State, expressed their deep concern that many residents have been forced to abandon their homes due to the unceasing violence.
The group highlighted the recent bomb explosions in various parts of the state, which resulted in the deaths of several innocent residents and injuries to others.
They particularly pointed to the increasing attacks in the Shiroro Local Government Area, where many communities continue to suffer immensely.
The group emphasized the dire situation, as areas like Allawa, Bassa, and Kukoki have fallen victim to bandits, terrorists, Fulani herdsmen militias, and kidnappers, with their violent tactics making it difficult to distinguish between the groups.
“The terrorists have grown increasingly emboldened, going as far as planting bombs and landmines in the villages under their control. The latest incident involved the multiple bomb explosions in the Bassa community, which tragically claimed the lives of three individuals on their way to their farms,” the youths shared.
They went on to say, “You don’t expect less of this incident, especially where the government of the day has deliberately refused to prioritise security (as a policy) in a war-torn region and volatile environment like ours. For emphasis, it’s on record that in less than two weeks, Bassa has experienced explosions of IEDs twice with attendant consequences. Given the quantum of neglect at hand, one is tempted to believe that insecurity-ridden areas like ours have been ceded to the warlords.”
The youths also mentioned the worsening conditions following the evacuation of a military base in the region after two soldiers were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices.
The subsequent absence of military personnel led to a rise in coordinated attacks, which claimed 13 lives, resulted in the abduction of 26 women, and included demands for 130 motorcycles as ransom.
Despite pleas from the community and civil society organizations for the government to take action, little has been done to address the situation.
“The Defence Headquarters later cited deceitful and misleading reasons for withdrawing soldiers from these bandit-infested communities, describing it as a ‘tactical withdrawal.’ Shockingly, many months after the tragic incident, the military has yet to redeploy personnel to the affected areas,” the youths lamented.
As a result, many communities have been abandoned, with residents either fleeing or enduring life under the oppressive control of the bandits.
The youths pointed out the lack of response from the state and federal governments, saying, “Despite the magnitude of the latest attack, no statement has been issued by the state or federal government to either condemn it or take decisive action against the terrorists.”
They also criticized the state government for prioritizing trivial matters while failing to address the serious security concerns, noting, “The Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, is only proactive when it comes to issuing statements on flimsy and unimportant issues such as the governor attending weddings and other jamborees. But on issues that involve the loss of precious lives, the governor’s mouthpiece has kept mute.”
“The Niger State Government can do more than resort to lamentation and blame game as it’s not completely helpless as it wants people to believe,” the group continued.
In a communique signed by Sani Yusuf-Kokki and Shuaib Wana, the youths laid out their demands.
They called for the immediate establishment of military bases in Allawa, Bassa, Kukoki, and other affected communities to secure key entry and exit points and curb the movements of terrorists.
They also demanded the empowerment of local security volunteers, equipping them with resources and training to better support conventional security forces.
The group further insisted that the government settle the medical bills of bomb blast victims and provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives.
“Security personnel should be immediately redeployed to all deserted communities to restore law and order, ensuring residents feel safe to return to their ancestral homes,” they urged.
Additionally, they called for the deployment of advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering technologies to better track and neutralize terrorist activities in Shiroro LGA.
The youths also urged the government to implement a comprehensive intervention program for displaced communities, including restoring infrastructure, providing economic empowerment, supporting education, and offering mental health services for victims of violence.
Finally, the youths called for all levels of government to take decisive action and fulfill their constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, stating, “Addressing these demands with urgency and sincerity will not only restore hope and stability to the affected areas but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to justice, equity, and the preservation of our shared humanity.”
