The Niger State Government has disclosed that security agencies must first clear communities affected by recent attacks in Borgu Local Government before humanitarian assistance can be safely delivered to victims.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Bello Magaji, made this known during an interactive session with journalists on the worsening security situation in parts of the state, saying the government was providing logistics support to security agencies to strengthen operations.
According to him, the government would immediately assess the needs of affected communities and provide necessary assistance once security forces establish control of the areas.
His remarks followed the August 21 attack on communities in Dekkara District of New Bussa Local Government Area, where suspected armed men invaded Massaka, Sabongida and Gidamaza before reportedly abducting worshippers at a mosque in Penya.
Niger State Police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers had surrounded the mosque shortly after Friday prayers and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.
He stated that the Police, the Military, operatives of the Department of State Services and other security agencies had mobilised to the area to rescue the victims and determine the number of people affected.
Abiodun attributed part of the difficulty in establishing the exact number of victims to the difficult terrain, saying security agencies were working with residents to obtain accurate information.
He disclosed that the Inspector General of Police had approved additional operational support, including tactical teams, the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Police Air Wing, to reinforce the rescue operation.
But while security agencies were still dealing with the Dekkara incident, Abiodun said the Magajin Giri of Agwara was killed at his residence by suspected armed men.
Abiodun said a police tactical team and the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara responded to the attack and recovered the traditional ruler’s body.
The police spokesman disclosed that an investigation was ongoing to identify those responsible, while security agencies had intensified operations to flush out criminal elements from the affected communities.
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the security of remote communities in Niger State, with authorities now under pressure to rescue the abducted worshippers and restore confidence among residents.
The government, however, assured residents that security agencies were being given the necessary logistical support to restore peace and protect lives and property across the state.
