Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Following a tragic attack that claimed 13 lives in the Anguwan Mai-Giro community, Acting Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has called on the military to redeploy its personnel to Allawa and surrounding communities in the Shiroro Local Government Area. The appeal comes in response to the worsening security situation after military forces were withdrawn from the region five months ago.
Speaking during the three-day Islamic prayers for the victims in Kuta, Shiroro LGA, Garba highlighted the adverse impact of the military’s absence on the state government’s efforts to combat escalating insecurity. He emphasized the urgent need for the military to return and provide comprehensive security coverage for the predominantly farming communities in the area.
“I appeal to our military to see reasons to return to Allawa and other vulnerable areas to provide full security coverage to our people, who are predominantly farmers,” Garba stated. He assured that the current administration, led by Governor Bago, has been actively deploying strategies to address the security challenges, countering claims that the government is not taking adequate action.
The Acting Governor also addressed misinformation surrounding the recent attack, clarifying that the victims were on their way to their farms, not residing in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, as some reports suggested. He warned against politicizing issues of insecurity, stressing that such actions do not contribute to resolving the crisis.
“Those holding such notions or making insinuations are entitled to their opinions because we are in a democratic era. However, these opinions do not reflect the true picture of events,” Garba remarked, urging against the use of insecurity for political gain.
The withdrawal of military personnel from Allawa and neighbouring communities has left these areas increasingly vulnerable to banditry, underlining the necessity of their return to restore peace and safety for residents. Garba’s appeal reflects the broader concern over the security challenges facing Niger State and the critical role the military plays in safeguarding the region.
