Over 20 passengers traveling in five vehicles were reportedly abducted on Thursday along the Mariga-Kontongora road, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by bandits in Niger State. In response, the Niger State House of Assembly has urged the military to acknowledge that bandits are utilizing parts of its training grounds as a base of operations.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly and representative of Mariga Constituency, shared these concerns in an interview with journalists. He underscored the challenges facing communities in the area and emphasized the need for a serious response to these threats.
The Speaker’s remarks come on the heels of the military’s recent denial that bandits were occupying parts of its training grounds within the Kontongora Local Government Area. Sarkin-Daji, however, claimed that families of former abductees have reportedly delivered ransom payments to bandits within forests linked to military-owned land.
Addressing the Assembly, Sarkin-Daji stated, “As representatives, we collect firsthand information from our constituents about their challenges. Before bringing any issue to the floor of the House, we conduct thorough investigations.” He added that released victims reported being held in a forested area within sight of the Kontongora Army Barracks.
The Speaker urged the military to reconsider its stance, noting, “It’s not that we doubt the military’s ability to combat bandits, but simply dismissing our people’s concerns isn’t right.” He added that community members claim the military training ground has become a haven for bandits who emerge from the forest to carry out kidnappings before returning to the same area.
Expressing frustration, Sarkin-Daji noted that the Assembly’s repeated reports of bandit activity have seemingly been ignored by the military. He cited the latest abduction as further evidence supporting the Assembly’s concerns.
On Wednesday, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters responded to the Assembly’s assertions, with Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba denying that any part of the training area had fallen under terrorist control. Buba affirmed that the military is actively conducting operations in Niger State to dismantle terrorist strongholds.
Nonetheless, Sarkin-Daji reiterated his call for the military to take immediate action, stating that rejecting local reports only fuels fear and compromises public safety. “The military needs to act decisively and eliminate these criminals,” he added.
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