Niger State Youths Cry Out Over Incessant Attacks, Call for Immediate Government Action
Youths in Niger State, particularly from Shiroro Local Government Area, have raised alarm over the growing insecurity and repeated attacks by suspected bandits and terrorists in their communities. The group, known as the Concerned Shiroro Youths, expressed their frustration, revealing that many of them have been forced to abandon their homes due to incessant assaults, including bomb explosions that have claimed lives and left others injured.
In a statement, the youths pointed out that some of the affected communities, such as Allawa, Bassa, and Kukoki, have been at the mercy of armed groups, including terrorists, Fulani herdsmen militias, and kidnappers, whose violent activities have blurred the lines between these groups. They lamented that the terrorists have grown bolder, planting bombs and landmines in villages under their control. A recent attack in Bassa resulted in multiple bomb explosions, tragically killing three residents who were heading to their farms.
The youths criticized both the state and federal governments, accusing them of abandoning the region to its fate. They argued that despite widespread calls for help, the authorities have failed to act decisively. “The government has deliberately refused to prioritize security in our region, and the ongoing attacks reflect this neglect,” they said.
One of the most distressing incidents for the community was the withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from the Allawa axis after the deaths of two soldiers in an IED attack. The withdrawal was followed by a series of coordinated attacks, including the loss of 13 lives and the abduction of 26 women. The group has demanded a clear explanation for the military’s decision, as no personnel have been redeployed to the area despite months of requests from local groups and civil society organizations.
In their communique, the Concerned Shiroro Youths outlined seven major demands, including the immediate establishment of military bases in key communities like Allawa, Bassa, and Kukoki. They also called for the empowerment of local security volunteers, the redeployment of security forces to deserted communities, and the provision of medical and compensation support to the victims of recent attacks. The group further called for the use of advanced surveillance technology to enhance security in the region.
