Following renewed attacks by armed bandits in over 13 communities in both Shiroro and Rafi local government areas, which left nine persons dead, properties destroyed and many kidnapped, the representative of Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Sani Musa, has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency set up a permanent Military Base in Shiroro, Munya and Rafi local government areas to help stem the tide of banditry.
Musa, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Senate Services, in a statement said the Federal Government cannot afford to turn deaf ears and close its eyes against the wanton killings of the people in his constituency.
It should be recalled that armed bandits had few days ago attacked over 13 communities in both Shiroro and Rafi local government areas in Musa’s constituency, leaving nine persons dead, properties destroyed and many kidnapped.
The head of Madaka vigilante group, Isiya Madaka, who spoke on behalf of his group and similar ones in neighbouring communities, had told journalists that the armed men bore AK47, AK49, rocket propelled grenades and a local gun called “mai jigida.”
Madaka said his group and other local vigilante groups from adjoining villages worked together to repel the attackers, but despite their efforts, nine people were killed.
Senator Musa urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give a marching order to the military to immediately establish a base each in the three local government areas.
According to him: “The on and off operations by security agencies in the affected communities cannot solve the problem. The bandits know when troops are around and when they are not. As soon as they know the troops are withdrawn, that’s when they strike. So, the solution is to establish a permanent Base for the military in the areas. Their presence no doubt will scare off the hoodlums and consequently stem the tide of criminality.”
Musa, who expressed worries over the latest attacks by gunmen in Rafi and Shiroro, said at this critical time when the world was under the pressure of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, both the Federal and State Governments must beef up security in the state to ensure that the people do not suffer double losses.
At least over 3,000 persons are currently being camped in primary schools in Bosso and Kuta, mostly women and children.
Senator Musa advised that both the National and State Emergency Management Agencies should endeavour to provide adequate support to the displaced persons in terms of food, healthcare and other basic amenities.
He also enjoined them to make available water, hand wash detergents and sanitisers for the IDPs, while emphasising the need for social distancing and restriction of persons from going into the camps without proper checks.
Meanwhile, Musa has reiterated his commitment to promoting legislations that will impact on the lives of the people in Niger East Senatorial District and Niger State as a whole.
He said: “I remain undaunted in my efforts toward improving on the lives and welfare of my people, through promoting laws that will have impact on them.”
Reacting to a recent agitation by a group under the aegis of Concerned Shiroro Youths, the lawmaker debunked the allegations that he had not fulfilled the promises he made during his visit to the IDPs camps at Kuta.
He said: “While I understand the feelings and agitation by the Concerned Shiroro Youths toward the current security challenges we are faced with, I find it rather disheartening to read their comments regarding the contributions of political representatives from Niger East.
“I do not think it is right for anyone to undermine the efforts we are making. Since the latest renewed attacks in Shiroro and Rafi, I can tell you that I have not been able to sleep. I have been making consultations with relevant security agencies. Just yesterday, I had a meeting with the (Chief of Army Staff). I am a lawmaker and do not control any command structure to enforce anything. All I can do is to use my position to cry out to those who control the state apparatuses to help my people. That’s exactly what I am doing.
“In addition, I have personally donated 900 bags of rice, hand sanitizers and other detergents to the people of Niger East as part of efforts to cushion the effects of their sufferings.
He said: “Currently, plans are also being concluded to provide more palliatives to the people.”
Musa appealed for calm among the youths, urging them to join hands with both the state government and their representatives to find lasting solutions to the issues.
According to him: “I operate an open door policy and will always be ready for constructive discussions that will add value to the people of Niger.”