Borgu leaders urge action as attacks persist in Agwara, Borgu LGAs

Community and religious leaders in Borgu Kingdom have appealed to the federal government to intervene urgently following escalating attacks across Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.

The appeal was made during a press conference held in Suleja by Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and chairman of CAN Niger State, and a community advocate, Murtala Dantoro, the younger brother of the current Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV.

Bishop Yohanna described the situation as dire, highlighting repeated attacks on residents, schools, and police facilities.

“Our people are helpless and crying for help. We want you to beef up security in Agwara, especially in Papiri town, where St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools serve over 50 communities,” he said.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for previous directives to service chiefs but warned that temporary security responses are insufficient.

“We had thought by now there would be military presence and beefed security after the attacks.

“The people of Agwara deserve to live without fear, our children deserve a secured future, and our people need to farm their lands and sleep peacefully in their homes,” Bishop Yohanna said.

Murtala Dantoro said the attacks, including the burning of Agwara Police Station and a church, have left communities in fear, disrupting education, farming, and local livelihoods.

“Borgu Kingdom is bleeding. Families are being torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and our farmers, once the breadbasket of the Northwest, could soon become dependent on government relief,” he said.

Adding to the urgency, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, leader of the Muslim community in Borgu Emirate, disclosed that over 50 persons, mostly children, abducted during the recent Agwara and Kansuwa Dani attacks, remain in captivity.

“For over five weeks these victims are still not yet rescued, and the attacks affected both Christians and Muslims, who are mostly children. We want government to help us rescue them,” he said.

Both Dantoro and Bishop Yohanna appealed for a permanent military base, fortified police stations, additional personnel, and closer collaboration with local vigilantes to prevent further attacks and secure the region.

Borgu leaders urge action as attacks persist in Agwara, Borgu LGAs