Farmers in their daily farming routine have uncovered three explosive devices suspected to be bombs said to have been planted by terrorists.
The explosive devices were discovered by the farmer in Ganaru community in Zugurma district of Mashegu Local Government Area in Niger State, yesterday.
A community source said the farmers were on their way for their farming activities when they discovered the explosive devices planted by the road side and immediately raised the alarm.
Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Area, Jibrin Egade, who confirmed the latest development, said the area has been condoned off to avoid explosions that could lead to casualties.
Egade expressed shock over the discovery of such dangerous explosives in the community where there are no security challenges, saying the entire community was alarmed by the discovery.
He, however, disclosed that he has informed the security agencies for immediate action.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, confirmed the development, saying the command has deployed bomb experts to the scene to ascertain and possibly detonate the explosive which he said is one not three as claimed by the villagers.
He urged the people to go about their legitimate businesses without fear just as experts have been deployed to ensure the evacuation of the explosive device professionally.
This is coming barely two days after 42 persons were killed by terrorists in Borgu Local Government community.
Meanwhile, as the people of Agwara and Borgu local government areas struggle to overcome last Saturday market massacre of innocent traders at Kasunwa Deji by terrorists, former commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa has made a case for the immediate establishment of a military base and the deployment of marine police to Agwara Local Government to minimise the persistent terrorists attacks in the area.
He said the persistent security challenges confronting Niger and adjourning states demand urgent, decisive and strategic Federal Government’s intervention.
He argued that the situation is beyond what the state government can handle, stressing that the Federal Government must come to the rescue of the state government in tackling the challenges.
Vatsa maintained that following the recurring incidents of banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks, particularly the tragic events surrounding St. Mary’s Catholic Missionary School, Papiri, “we strongly call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately consider the establishment of a Nigerian Military Base in Agwara local government, alongside the deployment of marine police units to the area”.
While emphasising the strategic position of Agwara local government, the former publicity secretary of the APC in the state, pointed out that”Agwara local government occupied a critical strategic position along the River Niger, serving as a natural corridor between Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states.”
According to him, intelligence and security reports have consistently indicated that criminal elements and bandits exploit the River Niger as an escape and transit route, crossing freely after carrying out attacks on communities, schools and travellers.
He expressed worries that the River Niger has increasingly become a security blind spot, enabling armed groups to evade land-based security operations.
“This vulnerability was glaringly exposed during the insecurity around Papiri community where attackers leveraged riverine routes to perpetrate violence and retreat beyond the immediate reach of conventional security forces.”
Highlighting the importance of the establishment of the military base in the area, Vatsa said it will secure the River Niger corridor and deny terrorists and other criminal syndicates access to water routes hitherto used for escape and logistics.
It will also provide rapid-response capability to incidents across riverine communities in Niger state and neighboring Kebbi and Kwara states. “This will equally protect critical institutions, including schools, markets, farming communities and transport routes along the River.”
Vatsa warned that the insecurity along the River Niger does not only threaten lives but also undermines agricultural productivity, interstate commerce, education and national cohesion.
“A secured Riverine community will restore confidence, encourage investors and economic activities and reaffirm the Federal Government commitments to protecting every Nigerian, regardless of geo-political,” he submitted.
Credit: The Sun