A member representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency of Niger State, Jafaru Mohammed Ali, has appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity to protect citizens from persistent bandit attacks.
He made the call while briefing journalists on the recent attack on his convoy, the kidnapping of over 300 students and teachers of St. Mary Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, and other incidents.
The lawmaker, who sponsored a motion of urgent public importance on insecurity affecting his constituency during the resumed special plenary session, expressed concern that several notable public figures, including the Niger State Electoral Commissioner, a former SUBEB Chairman, and dozens of travellers kidnapped along the Mokwa–New Bussa road remain in captivity.
He said, it is unfortunate how gunmen recently attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State and kidnapped (303) students, (12) teachers and Sarkin Samarin Agwara where (50) out of the abducted students escaped and are returned to their parents.
Jafaru Muhammad also confirmed that the bandits currently occupied the National Park as their harbour and base from where they attack Agwara, Borgu in Niger State, Bagudo and Shanga in Kebbi State, Kaiama/Baruten in Kwara State and some neighbouring communities in Benin Republic.
The Niger state lawmaker stresses that the situation in the entire Constituency is horrible and will continue to worsen if urgent action is not taken to save the communities from being taken over by bandits in the next few months.
He however, appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for their quick response and providing helicopter for their evacuation from where his entourage were trapped during a similar attack by the bandits.
COV /TSIBIRI
