The Federal Government has been urged to immediately send military soldiers to the Alawa hamlet in the state’s Shiroro Local Government Area by Acting Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba.
Armed bandits recently took control of the community.
Five months ago, the federal government decided to remove its troops from the region, leaving the population open to constant bandit raids.
Following a new, horrific incident on Wednesday that saw thirteen farmers brutally murdered as they worked in their fields on the fringes of the Alawa hamlet, Governor Garba made an appeal.
The attack has further exacerbated the insecurity in the region, leaving residents in fear for their lives, and prompting many to flee to safer areas.
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Alawa, once a peaceful farming community has now become a hotspot for bandit activity.
The absence of military protection has emboldened the criminals, leading to frequent raids, killings, and the displacement of hundreds of residents.
The recent attack on the farmers is a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in the area.
During his visit to the community, Garba met with the grieving families of the victims. Among them was Shamsiya Yahaya, a young woman who has endured multiple tragedies at the hands of these bandits.
Five years ago, Shamsiya’s father was killed in a similar attack, forcing her and her family to seek refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro Local Government Area.
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Kuta has become a sanctuary for many displaced persons who have been forced to abandon their homes due to the relentless bandit attacks.
The town, which serves as the administrative centre of Shiroro, is struggling to accommodate the influx of people seeking safety.
Living conditions in the IDP camps are now dire, with limited access to necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
The situation in Alawa has reached a critical point, and Garba has emphasised the urgent need for military intervention to restore security and protect the lives of innocent civilians.
He warned that without immediate action, the violence could escalate, leading to more deaths and displacements.
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“The withdrawal of military personnel has left our communities defenceless. The people of Alawa are predominantly farmers, and they are now unable to tend to their fields without fear of being attacked. We need the federal government to act swiftly and redeploy the army to protect our people,” Governor Garba said.
The Acting Governor’s plea highlights the broader issue of insecurity in Niger State, which has been plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence in recent years.
He said the federal government’s response to this crisis will be crucial in determining the future of Alawa and other affected communities in the region.
As the people of Alawa and Shiroro Local Government Area continue to grapple with the aftermath of the latest attack, they remain hopeful that their cries for help will be heard and that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure their safety and security.
