The peace of law-abiding citizens in rural communities in Niger State, Nigeria, is under threat from the dual menace of banditry and insurgency. These troubling activities have been observed between 2015 and 2023, prompting residents to abandon their ancestral homes in search of temporary shelter elsewhere. However, despite these challenges, the people of these communities remain resilient in their fight against bandits and insurgents, employing both government-led initiatives and their own community-driven efforts.
In recent weeks, farming communities in Niger state have been plagued by a surge in banditry attacks. Regions such as Rafi, Mariga, Shiroro, Munya, and parts of Paikoro local government areas have become battlegrounds for these brazen criminals.
Seemingly challenging the resolve of newly-elected governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the bandits have launched audacious attacks, reminiscent of those that plagued his predecessor, Abubakar Sani Bello. With little resistance, they infiltrate villages, set up camps, and brazenly cook and feast without obstruction.
Investigations have revealed that local vigilantes were once the primary impediment to the bandits. However, recent attacks have shown a disturbing change in their strategy, as the bandits now target the vigilantes first before wreaking havoc on the communities.
Tragedy struck recently in Kusherki village, Rafi local government area, where 13 vigilante members were killed, and 30 people were abducted. The attack took place under the cover of night, catching both the sleeping villagers and unprepared vigilante corps off guard. The bandits, armed with superior firepower, stormed the area on motorcycles, unleashing terror and instilling fear before engaging the outnumbered vigilantes in a fierce battle.
Survivors of the Kusherki attack recount the desperate struggle to defend their environment, only to be overwhelmed by the bandits’ relentless firepower. When the dust settled, the community was left devastated, with numerous casualties and villagers suffering from bullet injuries.
Not content with their rampage in Kusherki, the bandits moved on to Mariga local government, where they attacked Tashan-Alhaji, a village located a few kilometers from Tegina town. This village held painful memories for the community, having fallen victim to the abduction of Islamiyya pupils in 2021. Slaughtering chickens and forcing captive women to cook for them, the bandits used the village as a temporary camp and storage for looted foodstuffs.
The wave of terror continued unabated, as bandits abducted supporters returning from Mariga to Bangi road headquarters after attending the inauguration of Niger State House of Assembly members in Minna. The attackers also set ablaze half of Ukuru village, leaving one person dead and abducting unsuspecting travelers.
As the bandits spread their reign of terror, Kontagora and Mashegu local government councils witnessed multiple killings, and many individuals were taken, hostage. Fresh concerns are now mounting as the bandits’ hideouts become increasingly crowded with captives from various regions.
Pandogori, a suburban community in Rafi local government area, has received a warning of an imminent attack. In Kaffinkoro, the bandits have released a harrowing video showcasing their captives, bound and treated like slaves, while demanding exorbitant ransoms in millions of Naira.
Shiroro and Munya local government areas have become hotbeds of constant attacks, forcing communities to flee in a desperate bid for safety. Despite occasional victories by security agents, the bandits’ expertise in navigating the treacherous terrain and dense forests, particularly around Allawa and neighboring Mariga, Rafi, Munya, and Kaffinkoro, poses a significant challenge. They evade capture, at times even ambushing the security personnel sent to apprehend them.
Niger State governor takes swift action to tackle rising banditry crisis
Niger State governor, Alh Umar Muhammed Bago, has expressed deep concern over the escalating banditry crisis in the state, vowing to address the issue with utmost urgency.
In his inaugural speech, Governor Bago emphasised the criticality of security and wasted no time in taking decisive action to tackle the prevailing challenges.
Within just two weeks of assuming office, governor Bago embarked on a visit to the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police in Abuja for closed-door sessions to chart a way forward.
During these meetings held last week, the governor made a resolute commitment to put an end to the disturbing trend of attacks in the state. He reassured the victims of recent banditry attacks in various parts of Niger State, promising them relief and a secure environment.
Bago expressed confidence that the impact of his recent discussions with the service chiefs would soon be felt by all.
Also, Bago’s chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, issued a statement in which the governor extended prayers for the souls of those killed by bandits and for the speedy recovery of the injured and safe return of those abducted.
Furthermore, Bago assured the communities affected by the brutal banditry attacks that their security challenges would soon be overcome, emphasizing his determination to make these incidents a thing of the past.
In a show of seriousness, the Governor summoned the heads of security agencies in Niger State to appear before the newly inaugurated State House of Assembly.
This meeting was aimed to gain insights into the reasons behind the recent surge in banditry attacks across certain areas of the state.
Speaker Barr Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji explained that the 10th Assembly members were deeply troubled by the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property. The Assembly expressed its full support for any measures taken to put an end to banditry in the state.
The governor’s swift response and the commitment of the State House of Assembly have brought a renewed sense of hope to the people of Niger State. With a united front against banditry, the end of this over four-year-long crisis appears to be within sight, as the government intensifies its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the state and its residents.
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