Youth and community groups in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have suspended all political activities and issued a strong call for urgent government intervention to address the worsening security crisis in the area.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué released on Thursday following an emergency meeting convened by the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA) in Kuta, the council headquarters.
The groups expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity that has plagued the area for more than a decade, tracing its escalation to violent incidents in Allawa town in 2014, which claimed several lives, including that of a district head.
They lamented that despite successive administrations at the federal, state and local levels, the situation has deteriorated, with communities across the Lakpma axis reportedly under constant threat. According to the communiqué, none of the eight political wards in the axis can currently be considered safe.
The meeting highlighted a recent attack on Erena community on April 7, which reportedly left over 30 people dead, with several others injured and receiving treatment.
The groups accused terrorists, including bandits and insurgent elements, of ransacking villages, killing residents, kidnapping for ransom, and destroying homes and farmlands. They further alleged that some communities are being forced to pay levies to armed groups as a condition to access their farms.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the groups said residents were being subjected to “dual governance” — paying taxes to constitutionally recognised authorities while also being coerced by non-state actors.
“We have had enough of condemnations. What we need now is decisive and practical action,” the communiqué stated, stressing that elected officials must be held accountable for failing to guarantee security.
As part of resolutions reached, the groups demanded the immediate establishment of a military base in the Lakpma axis and called for the suspension of all mining activities in the area, which they believe may be exacerbating insecurity.
They also urged the government to set up a rehabilitation centre for victims suffering from trauma, and to provide compensation to those affected by the violence.
While acknowledging the efforts of security personnel and local vigilantes, the groups insisted that more robust measures are required to restore peace.
The communiqué further called on to visit Shiroro to assess the situation firsthand and commiserate with affected communities.
“The people of Shiroro demand peace, security and justice. We will not rest until these demands are met,” the statement added.
The communiqué was jointly signed by representatives of various youth, women, religious, and community organisations across the local government area.
