The Niger State House of Assembly has urged the state government to facilitate the immediate deployment of military personnel and other security agencies to communities in Mashegu Local Government Area facing persistent attacks by terrorists and armed bandits.
The lawmakers said the intervention had become necessary to protect lives and property, warning that the continued assaults could allow terrorists to overrun the entire local government area if urgent action was not taken.
The resolution was reached during yesterday’s plenary after the House unanimously adopted a Motion of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the member representing Mashegu Constituency, Alhassan Isah.
Presenting the motion, Isah said several communities in the local government area, including Faje, Kizhi, Gwaji, Mulea, Kulho, Mazakuka, Likoro, Baba Rami, Runbun-Giwa, Ibbi, Zugurma and Kanti, had come under repeated attacks by members of the Lakurawa group and armed bandits.
He said the attacks, which occurred both day and night, had continued to endanger the lives and livelihoods of residents, stressing that the worsening security situation required immediate military intervention.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and called on the state government to expedite the deployment of military personnel and other security agencies to restore peace and security in the affected communities.
Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended Isah for drawing the Assembly’s attention to the security challenges confronting the constituency.
He also praised Governor Mohammed Bago for his efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture, disclosing that the administration had been working to establish Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic locations across Zone C, particularly in Mariga and Mashegu local government areas.
Sarkin-Daji revealed that a Forward Operating Base had already been approved for Baba Rami and that the military had concluded arrangements to deploy personnel to the community.
He, however, noted that concerns raised by members of the host community over the proposed location of the base had delayed its establishment.
The Speaker expressed optimism that the military would soon establish a permanent presence in the area, saying the deployment would enhance security and help restore lasting peace across the affected communities.