Boko Haram seizes territory, hoists flag in Niger State

…Over 50 villages, towns deserted, occupied

Saka Bolaji, Minna

Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello has lamented that Boko Haram terrorists have established territory in part of Niger State, hosting their flag in Kaure village.

The governor further disclosed that the terrorists operate there from where they have made spontaneous incursions into more than 50 villages in the past three weeks.

Speaking with Journalists during a visit to an IDPs camp in IBB primary school Minna, the Governor lamented that over 50 villages have been overrun by the terrorists/ bandits and deserted by original inhabitants.

He said, “I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements around Kaure in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State.

“They have taken over the territory, they have installed their flag. I am confirming to you now that they have taken over the wives of people by force.”

Bello, describing the situation in the state as critical and pathetic, he disclosed that over 3000 villagers escaped to Minna on Sunday night alone while several others are in camps in Gwada and other places.

“Majority of the displaced persons will have to remain in this camp in Minna because their villages have been taken over by Boko Haram terrorists/ bandits. Their wives have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram elements,” he said.

He warned that the terrorists are trying to make Kaure their home and headquarters like they did to Sambisa forest.

He noted that while Sambisa forest was serveral kilometres away from Abuja, Kaure is only two hours drive to Abuja.

He explained that his administration has been engaging the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state in dealing with the insecurity, lamenting that such efforts have not yielded desired results thereby making it possible for the terrorists to now occupy the areas.

He said, “I have been engaging the Federal Government and unfortunately it has gotten to this stage and if care is not taken even Abuja is not safe. We have been saying this for long and all efforts have been in vain.”

Addressing the governor at the IDPs camp, a youth leader, Bulus Esu said his people in Kuchi one of the most populated towns inMunya Local Government have been locked down by the terrorists for the past three weeks.

He said, “For three weeks now there is no person living in Kuchi town and there is no food for the fleeing villagers.

The bandits have entered very deep into the area and have overran several villages. They have occupied Kuchi where they now sleep as their homes.”

Esu said the bandits two weeks ago demanded five million ransome from the people of Kampana, adding that “the people did this to avoid kidnap.

However, when they came back the next time, they asked the women to cook food for them after which they still raped the women.”