NIGER STATE: A GROWING CONCERN – Allawa Area in Shiroro Local Government Under Siege

It’s been over three months since the Nigerian army withdrew from the Allawa area of Shiroro local government in Niger state, leaving the community vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The withdrawal came after the killing of two military captains in an ambush by notorious terrorists, which was followed by a series of landmine traps set by the terrorists on the Pandogari-Allawa road.

Despite the government’s promise to address the issue, the terrorists have continued to wreak havoc in the area, killing and kidnapping innocent civilians at will. The Allawa game reserve, which is one of the ten game reserves approved by the Nigerian Senate during President Buhari’s regime, has become a hideout for terrorists.

The reserve, which collaborates with Zamfara and Kaduna states, has become a breeding ground for terrorism, with the terrorists operating freely and killing and kidnapping people at will. The community is living in fear, and the government’s inaction has only emboldened the terrorists.

Recently, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted an operation in the area, bombing a large number of terrorists in Allawa. While the operation was successful in killing some of the terrorists, it also destroyed social amenities in the community, including houses, schools, hospitals, and a solar borehole. The most critical infrastructure damaged was the Gyaramiya bridge, which is the only passage from Allawa to Pandogari.

The community is now living in fear, and the government’s inaction has only added to their woes. The people of Allawa are predominantly farmers and hunters who have protected the Allawa game reserve for years, enduring series of attacks by bandits. However, the recent attacks have left them feeling helpless and abandoned by the government.

The situation in Allawa is a growing concern, and the government needs to take decisive action to address the issue. The people of Allawa deserve protection, and the government should ensure that they are safe and secure.

• Yahuza Agumi Allawa
  Niger state