A resident of Niger State, Abdullah Suleiman Erena has decried that insecurity in the eight political wards of the Lakpma axis in Niger State is not limited to banditry but includes other terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.
He stated this at an emergency media conference in Minna, the Niger State capital organized by the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, a coalition of youth organizations in Shiroro LGA.
“Various terrorist groups operate in the area, including cattle rustling and forcing locals to farm and sell produce on their behalf.
“These groups are creating a terrorist stronghold in the Lakpma axis, which could become increasingly difficult to contain if not addressed urgently. The press and government for underestimating the severity of the issue,” he said.
Erena described the situation as a developing terrorist ecosystem rather than mere criminal activity, criticising both He detailed how
He also noted that the Federal Capital Territory is at risk due to its proximity to Shiroro LGA, calling for immediate action to dislodge the terrorists and bandits from the region.
Babangida Kudodo, President of the Lakpma Youth Forum explained that despite several reports to stakeholders and the state government about the activities of terrorists and bandits, no positive steps were taken to address the issue.
“Some informants were arrested and later released, becoming threats to the communities that reported them.
“This has forced many residents to collaborate with the terrorists and bandits to secure their livelihood,” he alleged.
On his part, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki lamented that the state government had not done enough to pressure the federal government regarding the alarming security situation, particularly in Shiroro LGA, where many farmers have been displaced.
“The state government needs to do more than just lament and apportion blame. While we acknowledge that informants may be collaborating with terrorists and bandits, this should not justify abandoning the larger population to their fate,” Kokki said.
Also speaking, Saidu Salihu, Secretary of the Coalition lamented that a leader of a terrorist group operating in Niger State has collected over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and neighbouring communities in Shiroro Local Government Area LGA of the State this year.
“Niger State government should strengthen its collaboration with security agencies and equip local vigilantes to protect the affected communities.
“Various groups of terrorists and bandits have taken over the communities since the withdrawal of soldiers from Allawa three months ago.
“The federal and state governments should also provide compensation to displaced persons who have lost homes, properties, and livelihoods due to the attacks following the military withdrawal,” Salihu said.
He stated that bandits have invited the affected communities for dialogue and negotiations to facilitate their return. He claimed that state and federal governments have been unresponsive to these reports.
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