October 03, (THEWILL) – Over 500 communities in eight wards of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have been taken over by Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.
The Local Government Chairman of the Council, Suleiman Chukuba, disclosed this on Friday in Minna, while briefing newsmen on the security situation in the area.
He said at least 8 wards in the council are now under Boko Haram siege.
He listed the affected areas as: Manta, Gurmana, Bassa-Kokki, Allawa, Kurebe, Kushaka, Kwati, Chukuba and Galadima Kogo.
Chukuba also said that the insurgents are now equipping the communities to fight the Government.
“I have the proof, being that I am the executive chairman, the chief security officer of the local government.
“Shiroro local government has an uncountable number of Boko Haram fighters.
“They have told the people that they do not want primary or secondary school in the communities and that they only want to see Islamic schools
“They have been trying to incorporate and recruit residents of the communities to become their members, telling them that they will give the recruits arms and assist them in fighting the government.
“The entire wards are affected by banditry and Boko Haram insurgents. Five hundred communities in the eight wards are affected..
He called on the Federal Government to deploy more security operatives to the area to fight the insurgents.
Governor Abubakar Bello had in April, confirmed that Boko Haram members hoisted their flag in Kaure, Shiroro LGA.
The Governor had confirmed the presence of the insurgents when he visited over 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Shiroro and Munya LGAs who were taking refuge in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Primary School, Minna.
The Governor had also expressed concern over “how wives of the locals have been taken over” by the insurgents.
“I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements in Niger state, around Kaure”, Bello had said.
About the Author
