Tension is mounting in Niger State as residents of communities in Borgu Local Government Area protest the continued captivity of hundreds of people abducted during a mass kidnapping attack more than a month ago.
Residents of Dekara and neighbouring communities converged on the local government headquarters in New Bussa on Monday, demanding urgent action to secure the release of the victims.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on August 21, with residents initially estimating that about 600 people, mostly women, children and elderly persons, were taken by armed men.
The estimated number of captives has since risen to nearly 700, according to Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, president of the Borgu Youths Development Association. However, Reuters said it could not independently verify the figure, while authorities have not provided an official number of those abducted.
Sadauki called for a headcount in the affected communities to establish the actual number of missing persons, while protesters urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held.
Niger State Commissioner for Information, Obed Nuhu Nana, said security agencies had been mobilised and that the government was making efforts to rescue the victims. He acknowledged, however, that the abducted residents had yet to be found.
The prolonged insecurity has also disrupted daily life in the area. Residents said access to markets and healthcare had become increasingly difficult, while shops in Borgu were reportedly shut on Monday as part of the protest.
The development comes after President Bola Tinubu directed an immediate rescue operation following the August 21 attacks. More than a month later, the continued captivity of the victims has heightened frustration among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures in the area.
Post a Comment