Residents Raise Alarm Over Terrorist Control in Shiroro Local Government Area....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Concerns are escalating among residents of Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State regarding the increasing influence of terrorists and bandits in their communities. Reports indicate that locals are being forced into servitude, working on farms for these criminal groups.

This year, it has been reported that a terrorist leader collected over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and surrounding areas. The alarming rise in criminal activity has prompted urgent calls for military intervention to restore security.

Saidu Salihu, Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, held an emergency press conference in Minna, emphasizing the need for military forces to return to Allawa and nearby communities. He stated that the withdrawal of soldiers three months ago has led to a spike in terrorist activities, compelling residents to engage with these groups for their survival.

“The terrorists are growing stronger, and without military intervention, the communities are at risk of becoming a terrorist stronghold,” Salihu warned. He urged the Niger State government to enhance its collaboration with security agencies and empower local vigilante groups to protect vulnerable areas.

Salihu also called for the federal and state governments to provide compensation for displaced persons who have lost their homes, property, and livelihoods due to the ongoing violence.

Babangida Kudodo, President of the Lakpma Youth Forum, expressed frustration at the lack of action from both state and federal governments, despite numerous reports detailing the worsening security situation. He highlighted that some informants who were arrested and later released have become additional threats to the communities.

Abdullah Suleiman Erena raised further alarms, indicating that the Lakpma axis, which consists of eight political wards, risks becoming a stronghold for various terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru. He characterized the situation as a “developing terrorist ecosystem” and criticized the media and government for underestimating the severity of the crisis.

Erena emphasized the threat this poses to the Federal Capital Territory, given its proximity to Shiroro LGA, and called for immediate action to dislodge the terrorists and restore security to the area.

In his remarks, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki criticized the Niger State government for not effectively pressuring the federal government to tackle the escalating security concerns. “The state government needs to do more than just lament,” he asserted, stressing the necessity of supporting the larger population facing these growing threats.