Banditry: Senator cries out for military intervention in Niger

Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District in Niger State, Mohammed Sani Musa has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to establish a military base in Alawa area of Shiroro local government to end frequent attacks by bandits.

In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, the lawmaker regretted that despite several calls for the federal government to establish a military base in the area, attacks were persisting without efforts to solve them.

Senator Musa specifically condemned attacks on Monday and Tuesday morning in Kurebe, Sabon-Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya communities, all in Shiroro local government, where bandits killed at least 21 persons and abducted at least 40 others.

“For the umpteenth time, I appeal to our amiable leader, President Muhammadu Buhari to please come to the aid of the people of Niger East. The carnage is way too much. The President should as a matter of urgency and importance order the military to establish a base at Alawa axis of the area. The Alawa forest in the area harbours criminal elements. But, if the military establishes their base there, it will scare off the bandits,” Senator Musa said.

“I continue to commiserate with the people of Kurebe, Sabon-Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya communities over the loss of their loved ones. Truly, I am saddened by the unfortunate incident. It is a barbaric and demonic act, which must be stopped now, and I mean now,” the lawmaker added.

While congratulating the new Service Chiefs on assuming office, Senator Sani Musa, however, charged them to work harder than their predecessors in finding lasting solutions to banditry especially in northern Nigeria, including Niger East Senatorial District.