Borgu and Agwara Begs FG, Governor Bago for Security Quick Interventions

By YM Bina

Stakeholders from Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the National Security Adviser to urgently deploy security forces and establish a permanent military base in those local councils of the state

The appeal was made at a press conference following the recent renewed bandit attacks that have left over three hundred people dead, many displaced, and schools shut in two local government areas, held in Suleja.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said residents of Agwara are currently sleeping in bushes out of fear, stressing that even a single day without security intervention could lead to further loss of lives.

He added that schools in Agwara Local Government Area, particularly in Papiri, remain closed as parents and children have fled their communities, while farming activities have been abandoned.

Rev Bulus Yohanna further urged the Niger state governor to urgently intervene and provide a lasting solution to the security crisis in the state, and also to the senator representing Niger North Senatorial zone , Abubakar Sani Bello to help appeal to the president to accelerate and act fast so as to safeguard the people.

The religious and community leaders warned that the security situation in Borgu Kingdom has reached a critical stage and deserves an urgent intervention for the governments, adding that dozens of people are still abducted, while bodies are still being recovered across the affected areas.

Also speaking, a prince of Borgu Kingdom, Murtala Dantoro, called on the National Security Adviser to coordinate an inter-agency security operation involving the military, police, and intelligence agencies to confront bandits exploiting forest reserves and major highways.

He further appealed to President Tinubu and Governor Bago to declare Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas as security priority zones and approve the establishment of forward operating military bases and fortified police stations to forestall attacks.

Representatives of the Muslim community from Borgu Emirate confirmed that several women and children remain in captivity following attacks in Kasuwan Daji, Woro, and surrounding communities.

Speakers at the briefing acknowledged ongoing community-led security efforts, including collaboration between youth groups, vigilantes, and interfaith committees, but stressed that local initiatives cannot replace decisive government intervention.

They warned that without urgent action, the insecurity could spread to New Bussa and further cripple education, agriculture, and economic activities in the region.