A group, the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA) has urged the federal government to redeploy a military base to Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, citing escalating insecurity, killings, and widespread displacement following the military’s withdrawal.
During a press briefing in Minna, COSA emphasized the urgent need for swift action to restore security and safeguard lives in the region.
Saidu Salihu, Secretary of the coalition, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity, stating, “The withdrawal of the military has led to a continued escalation of violence, resulting in brutal killings and displacement of the local population.”
He added that redeploying the military would allow communities to return to their homes and farmlands, which have been taken over by bandits. “The captives are now being forced to work on the farmlands for the bandits,” he lamented.
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Salihu also called on the state government to intensify its efforts to combat insecurity, particularly to ensure the success of its agricultural transformation initiative.
He further appealed for greater support for local vigilante groups, stressing the need for proper training, equipment, and financial backing to enhance their effectiveness.
Professor Mohammed Bashar Nuhu, Chairman of the Shiroro Elders Forum, pledged the community’s full cooperation with security agencies and the government in their efforts to resolve the crisis.
He underscored the importance of military redeployment, noting that the community has endured over a decade of setbacks due to the ongoing violence.
He also suggested that the persistent insecurity may be part of a larger conspiracy to perpetuate ethnic cleansing and entrench poverty in the area.
