Residents of farming communities in Niger State's Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas took to the streets on Monday, blocking the Mokwa-New Bussa road to protest persistent terrorist attacks. The protest, led by the Borgu Youth Federation, involved members of various associations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Commuters traveling to New Bussa and Agwara from Mokwa were stranded as a result of the blockade, which began at 5:30 am despite the rain.
The protest was sparked by comments made by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who allegedly stated that only 30 people were kidnapped during recent attacks on Jummaat Mosques in Dekara and other communities. However, Aliyu Abdulmajeed, Auditor of the Borgu Youth Federation, disputed the governor's claim, stating that 500 worshippers had been held captive for three weeks and that attacks had continued, with many communities deserted.
According to Abdulmajeed, the situation in the two local government areas has been dire for three years, with terrorist attacks degenerating into tribal clashes. He claimed that 30 people were slaughtered and beheaded, with their bodies buried by relatives. Abdulmajeed also stated that insecurity had claimed eight lives and displaced hundreds in Agwara LGA over the past two weeks.
The Borgu Youth Federation is demanding government action to address the security challenges in the area. Abdulmajeed expressed frustration that despite repeated pleas, the government had failed to take effective action, leading to continued attacks and displacement of communities. He also highlighted the lack of access to modern healthcare facilities for injured vigilantes.
In response to the crisis, Borgu LGA Chairman Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi stated that adequate security personnel had been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks. He claimed that the deployment followed an appeal to the Federal Government by the Niger State government after the August 21, 2026, mosque attacks.
Abdullahi dismissed a recently circulated video purporting to show new attacks, calling it "fake." He stated that no new incidents had been recorded since the August mosque attacks and that traditional rulers in the affected areas had denied the occurrence of such events.
The protest highlights the ongoing security challenges in Niger State, with residents calling for greater government action to protect their communities. The situation remains tense, with commuters and residents affected by the blockade and ongoing insecurity.
Key points
- The protest was sparked by comments made by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who allegedly underestimated the number of kidnapped people.
- The situation in Borgu and Agwara LGAs has been dire for three years, with terrorist attacks and tribal clashes causing displacement and loss of life.
- Residents are demanding government action to address the security challenges in the area and protect their communities.
