As anger builds among the populace in Niger State over the menace of banditry, the state government is assuring the people it is doing its best, assisting the federal government to take the menace.
On Wednesday, 15 residents of Ukuru village in Mairiga Local Government Area were slain by rampaging bandits, believed to be on revenge killing for five of their comrades that were slain by the locals. The villagers were alleged to have also killed a resident they believed was a local informant for the bandits.
Communities in the rural parts of the state, in the last few months, have come under blistering attacks from bandits, who are appearing more pervasive, kidnapping, raping, and killing at will, while security forces appear to be caught napping.
A community dweller, who was forced out told Everyday.ng that the situation is more pathetic and painful for rural dwellers in Niger State than is known.
“Those of you in relatively secure places cannot understand. At times those of us out there wonder if there is any form of government at all. The only form of defence we have are our phones. When a community nearby comes under attack, we begin to work our phones calling ourselves. Within seconds, people in nearby communities flee into the bushes to allow the bandits raid homes, barns, and animal stables.
“That was our life before we moved out. Is that the way for people to live? Is that now our lot in Nigeria? It is quite painful, especially for people who have nowhere to run to. They are completely helpless. We left that place without our belongings and assets and work of years left behind there,” the aid worker, who does not want his name in print, said.
But the Niger State Government has assured citizens of its resolve to fight banditry and other forms of criminality in the state, even as it commiserated with the families of the victims of the banditry attack on Ukuru village in Mariga Local Government area of the State.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mrs Mary Noel Berje quotes the state chief executive, Governor Abubakar Sani- Bello, as saying, “though tackling insecurity as it has to do with banditry, falls within the purview of all levels of government and all citizens, the state government has invested heavily in the fight against insecurity by supporting the federal government’s efforts.”
The statement further said, “Besides the numerous steps, including boosting the morale of the troops on the frontline, the Governor Sani-Bello-led government has collaborated effectively with the President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, and security agencies saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of Nigeria.”
The Governor said his heart bleeds for the dead, saying that it is not a hopeless case, as his administration in conjuction with the federal government and security agencies continues to fine-tune strategies for combating the menace.
He assured that with the recent procurement of fighter helicopters and other sophisticated weapons by Federal Government, the war against banditry and other forms of security threat in the country will soon witness renewed vigour.
He urged the people to be vigilant and report suspicious movement or activities of those alien to their environment and communities to the security agencies for prompt action.
Governor Sani-Bello had earlier this week embarked on inspection tour of Super Camp 4 Operation Sahel Sanity, in Faskari, Katsina State.
The government statement recalled that Ukuru village in Mariga Local Government of the state came under attack by the bandits, where 15 persons were reportedly killed.
Meanwhile, another source posted images of the dead and wrote on social media, “These are remains of victims in Ukuru village bandits attack. Mariga local government since January this year has been under daily intensive bandits menace resulting to several Lost of life , hundreds kidnapped for ransom, family sexual assault, and many more threats. Ukuru attack yesterday engulf (14) fourteen innocent lives. Inaddition to previous killings.
“Government has deployed some measures but the effect seems minimal, looking at increase in occurrence , there’s need for another logical approach. May Allah guide and protect us, reveal the way out for our leaders to brings an end on this difficulties.”
A media report on the Ukuru attack said that the killing of the 15 villagers, mostly young men, on Wednesday took place on at about 11:00 a.m.
The gunmen in the large numbers were said to have stormed a tea joint on motorcycles where the victims were said to be having their breakfast.
They came shooting into the air to scare the villagers and in the process killed the 15 persons, and hustled cattle, the report added.