BY VICTOR BUORO – The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello is terrified that the feared Boko Haram insurgents have fully taken over and hoisted their flag in Kaure axis of Shiroro Local Government Area in the state.
In raising the alarm on Monday, Governor Bello also disclosed that over 3,000 persons have been displaced with no fewer than 50 villages in five local governments now deserted due to bandits’ constant attacks on the state.
Speaking when during his visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at IBB Primary School in Minna, the governor said; “I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements around Kaure in Shiroro local government of Niger State. They have taken over the territory. They have installed their flag.
“I am confirming to you that Boko Haram terrorists/bandits have taken over some of the wives in the communities and attached them to the Boko Haram Chiefs…
“The implication of that is the territory now belongs to them.”
The IDPs from Chiri, Fuka Dan Daudu, Gini, Kabula, Kazai Guni, and Kuchi in Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas are currently taking refuge in the IBB Primary School camp located in Minna, the State capital.
According to Governor Bello, there is need for urgent action to dislodge the insurgents from the affected areas, warning that; “with the way things are going, not even Abuja is safe.”
The governor further said; “We have been saying this and no action has been taken. The Boko Haram elements are trying to see this place as their home, just like they did in Sambisa. Kauri is less than two hours’ drive to Abuja, nobody is safe not even Abuja.”
Hinting that he has engaged the Federal Government on several occasions, the governor however regretted that unfortunately no action has taken to address the insecurity challenges bedeviling the North Central state.
Governor Bello said a coordinated military action is required to tackle the resurgence of banditry and effectively “confront the severe and very serious situation” on ground.
The governor pleaded with the IDPs who abandoned their communities out of fear to return home, while assuring those attacked by the bandits of government’s readiness to make the camp safe for them.
Giving further details on the 3,000 IDPs when he declared opened a two-day training workshop for local government directors and revenue officers in Minna, Governor Bello said: “As we speak we have not less than 50 villages deserted across five local governments now. Where do we get the resources to take care of them if 80 per cent of our resources go to those that do not add value to the system?
“Now we have to deal with humanitarian problems and security problems. All these require resources that we do not have. So the only way we can survive is to increase our IGR.
“At the moment, we have over 3,000 IDPs in Minna, apart from the ones in other local government areas.”
