Communities in the Borgu Emirate, in collaboration with Christian and Muslim groups across Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, have called on the Federal and Niger State governments to urgently intervene as attacks, killings and abductions continue to escalate in the area.
Gatekeepers News reports that the communities said more than 40 people have been killed in recent weeks, forcing many residents to flee their homes over fears of renewed assaults.
The appeal was made at a world press conference held in Suleja at the weekend by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.
Yohanna called for the establishment of a fully equipped military base in Agwara Local Government Area, the fortification of police stations, and the immediate deployment of well-manned security checkpoints across the affected communities.
He also urged the provision of adequate security personnel, logistics, and stronger collaboration with local stakeholders to restore lasting peace, while calling on the National Assembly and key federal representatives to intervene swiftly.
He commended the media for amplifying “the truth and the real happenings” in Agwara and the entire Borgu Emirate, and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his initial directive to the Service Chiefs to tackle the insecurity. However, he stressed that urgent, concrete action is now needed.
“All schools in the entire area remain closed down; social and economic activities were also crippled. The people of Agwara deserve to live without fear. Our children deserve a secure future as it is their right to quality education. People need to farm their lands and to sleep peacefully in their homes.
“Our people have abandoned their comfort zones and have re-located to neighbouring villages for fear of the unknown,” he said.
Also speaking, a representative of the Borgu Emirate Council, Prince Murtala Dantoro, and a representative of the Muslim community, Muhammad Ibrahim Sani, described the devastating impact of banditry on the communities and urged the government and security agencies to act decisively.
They appealed directly to the President, saying:
“Mr President, we do not come in anger, we come in hope, we do not make demands, but appeal. We do not seek confrontation, we seek partnership. Borgu Kingdom believes in Nigeria, we believe in your leadership, we believe that our cries will not fall on deaf ears.”
