As Niger State indigenes continue to sorrow over the almost daily loss of lives to terrorists and bandits, the state government has listed some of its efforts to stem the bloody tide.
Recall that an estimated 200 bandits stormed communities in Kontogora, Manama, and Mariga local government areas on Wednesday taking tens of lives, including children, and kidnapping others.
But there were reports on Thursday that Nigeria Air Force jets killed over 30 of the bandits in their hideouts.
Last week, terrorists carried out attacks in Shiroro, Munya, Rafi and Paikoro Local Government Areas, and especially in Galadima Kongo, Erena Chukuba, and Allawa in Shiroro local government where the terrorists killed 27 persons mostly women and children, abducting dozens of others.
Another attack claimed the lives of 17 people in the early hours of last Saturday.
Numbering over 60, the terrorists attacked Guni, Zanzaga, Dazza, communities in Munya local government where they abducted 45 women and children.
The affected communities in the two local government areas are now ghost towns as the villagers have taken refuge at the internally displaced persons camp (IDP) in Central primary school in Gwada.
Youths in the affected areas have raised alarm over the new wave of attacks in the last three weeks.
A statement by the spokesperson of the group Comrade Ibrahim Ango Kurebe, in Minna, the state capital strongly condemned government inability to end armed banditry and cattle rustling in the areas.
But in Minna, the state capital, an exasperated government has explained its efforts to stem the tide of banditry and terrorism.
Said spokesperson to the state chief executive, Mrs. Mary Noel Berje at a media parley: “As you are aware, Niger State has been inundated with widespread security challenges that has inflicted severe sorrow, pains and displaced many of its citizens and also derailed the execution of many developmental projects and policies of the government.
“Nigerlites, particularly people in the affected communities of Shiroro, Munya Rafi, Paikoro, Mashegu, Kontagora, Mariga and Magama Local Government Areas are aggrieved and agitated by the wanton killings, and they have a case.
“The situation has indeed remained a nightmare for the state government which has done and is still doing a lot, in close collaboration with the military and other security agencies, to reverse the trend.
“The Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello led administration has supported the entire security apparatus with kogistics and other welfare packages to enhance the effective operations against terrorists in the state.
“He signed the Vigilante Corps Law in a bid to unify the numerous voluntary local security groups operating in the state and to give them the legal backing to carry arms so as to compliment the efforts of the conventional security agencies in fighting terrorism in the state.
“Governor Sani Bello, more than any other governor in the Northern region, has severally reached out to President Buhari and the Service Chiefs in a deliberate efforts to bring back normalcy to these parts of the state.
“Some of the Military operations in the state, like Karamin Goro, Sharan Daji, Girgizan Daji, Gama Aiki, Alex Akpatuma I & II, as well as Puff Adder I & II, including the recent directive by the president for an extensive, coordinated military onslaught against the terrorists, is the result of his constant consultations and reach out.
“The Governor has supported the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with relief materials and personally visited some of the affected communities to empathize with them. He also visited camps of security operatives at different times to boost their morale.
“Worried by the humanitarian needs of the IDPs, Governor Sani-Bello has influenced and facilitated donations from individuals and cooperate organisations within and outside the State as government alone cannot bear the burden.
“We must acknowledge the fact that the evil activities of these terrorists have brought setbacks in the actualization of government projects such as the Multi Billion Naira Bobi Grazing Reserve, road projects within the affected communities etc.
“Governor Sani Bello established a Situation/Control Room, where credible intelligence can be reported to the security agencies for prompt, rapid response.
“The state government, through the Commissioner forLocal Government, Community Development, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Internal Security has announced reward þ⁴for those who are ready to supply credible intelligence on the terrorists.
“Recall that, as part of the security measures put in place within Minna, the state capital, government banned the operation of commercial Motorcycles and illegal Motor parks as well as the sale and purchase of motorbikes or tricycles.
“Government has also taken drastic action against the miscreants and restive youths who have been tormenting and terrorizing residents and disrupting the peace and stability in Minna metropolis.
“The Government is sincerely saddened by the security situation and sympathizes with the people of the affected communities and is working until victory is achieved over evil.”
