Terrorists Scare Farmers From Harvest In Niger

Bandits operating in some parts of the Shiroro local government area have resorted to planting bombs to scare communities from harvesting their farm produce.

LEADERSHIP findings revealed that at least three bombs have exploded, killing and injuring no fewer than 12 villagers in recent weeks.

It was learnt that instead of abducting the villagers and collecting ransom as usual, the bandits now target the farms by scaring the farmers from the farms to take over produce from the farms.

Sources hinted that they resorted to taking over the harvest to boost their food supply chain following their inability to easily access conventional markets as security operatives, local hunters, and Vigilantes were always after them.

A villager who prefers anonymity told LEADERSHIP that “ the bandits and other terrorist groups operating in the hinterland of Shiroro are more than a group, and since the tactical withdrawal of military stationed in Allawa district, it has been hell for us in the hinterland of Allawa, Guramana, Bassa and Kukkoki.”

Consequently, Concerned Shiroro Youths raised the alarm about the development last weekend, saying that it was time to act to save their people.

The group, in a statement by the convener Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki and secretary Shuaib Awaisu Wana noted that the security of lives and property is a fundamental concern of every civilised society and an inalienable right of all citizens.

“Unfortunately, this essential constitutional provision has been severely undermined in Shiroro local government area of Niger State, where many communities in the hinterlands continue to endure unimaginable anguish due to the failure of authorities at all levels to protect them,” the group claimed.

They said their communities are at the mercy of “bandits, terrorists, Fulani herdsmen militias, and kidnappers whose violent modus operandi have blurred the distinctions among these groups”.

The Concerned Shiroro Youths confirmed that “the terrorists have grown increasingly emboldened, going as far as planting bombs and landmines in the villages under their control. The latest incident involved multiple bomb explosions in Bassa community, which tragically claimed the lives of three individuals on their way to their farms.”

“For emphasis, it is on record that in less than two weeks, Bassa has experienced an explosion of IEDs twice with attendant consequences. Given the quantum of neglect, one is tempted to believe that insecurity-ridden areas like ours have been ceded to warlords,” they added.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, has reiterated his commitment to assisting security agencies in fighting insecurity.

Speaking at 2024 Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) held at the 013 Quick Response Force, Nigerian Air Force Minna, he said the government remained fully committed to supporting the security agencies to combat insecurity.

The governor, represented by the commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello Abdullahi, acknowledged the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts in combating insecurity and insurgency, adding that its bravery, selfless service, and professionalism inspire the populace.