Renewed Attacks in Niger: Borgu Leaders Demand Permanent Military Base as Dozens Remain in Captivity

 

Community and religious leaders in Borgu Kingdom, Niger State, have raised alarm over persistent violent attacks in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, urging the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive security measures to protect residents.

The leaders made the appeal at a press conference in Suleja, where the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, alongside a community advocate and younger brother of the Emir of Borgu, Murtala Dantoro, described the situation as worsening and intolerable.

Bishop Yohanna said repeated assaults on communities, schools and security facilities have left residents traumatised and vulnerable, stressing that urgent intervention is required to prevent further loss of lives and property.

According to him, Agwara town, particularly Papiri community, remains under severe threat, noting that St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools serving over 50 surrounding communities are exposed to danger.

“Our people are helpless and crying out for help. Security presence must be strengthened in Agwara and neighbouring communities. Our children’s safety and the future of these communities are at stake,” he said.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for earlier directives to security chiefs, the cleric maintained that temporary deployments have not produced lasting results, calling instead for sustained military operations and permanent security formations in the affected areas.

He added that residents are now afraid to farm or sleep peacefully due to fear of fresh attacks.

Speaking at the briefing, Dantoro said the spate of violence, including the burning of Agwara Police Station and a church, has severely disrupted socio-economic activities, education and farming across Borgu axis.

“Borgu Kingdom is bleeding. Families have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and farmers can no longer access their farmlands. A region known for food production is facing a humanitarian risk,” he stated.

Also speaking, the leader of the Muslim community in Borgu Emirate, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, disclosed that more than 50 abducted persons, mostly children, are still being held by their captors following recent attacks in Agwara and Kansuwa Dani communities.

He said the victims have remained in captivity for over five weeks, appealing to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

“The victims are both Christians and Muslims, mostly children. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to secure their release and prevent further abductions,” he said.

The leaders jointly called for the establishment of a permanent military base in the area, reinforcement of police stations, deployment of additional security personnel, and stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups to restore peace and stability across the affected LGAs.