5,000 Nigerians Run From Bandits Attacks To Niger Republic

A member of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Senator Ibrahim Gobri representing Sokoto East has accused the Nigerian military of abandoning the people of his constituency, exposing them to attacks by bandits.

Gobri made the chilling statement indicting the Nigerian military following a motion by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi from Niger State at plenary on Tuesday.

Abdullahi had in the motion drawn attention to the activities of bandits in his home state; and also called on government to extend its current military operations to flush out bandits in Zamfara and Katsina States to stop them from making their way to Niger State.

In his contribution, Senator Gobri took a swipe on the Nigerian military, accusing the army of abandoning the people in time of distress.

He said in distress, many of the people have fled to Niger Republic for safety aided by the the military of the neighbouring country.

The lawmaker accused the Nigerian military of not responding to distress calls from the people; adding that even when the military responds; it is always too late.

According to Gobri, the people of Sokoto State have lost over 57,800 cows worth N2.5 billion; adding that the activities of the bandits have forced about 5,000 people displaced in Basira area in the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Also speaking, Senator Muhammed Musa who had last week brought a similar motion before the Senate expressed worry that Nigeria may not be able to contain the state of banditry with the manner the issue is being handled.

The Senate commended President Muhammadu Buhari for launching military action in Katsina State against bandits but asked that he extends similar operations to Niger and Sokoto States.