Residents of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State are reportedly leaving their communities and crossing into the Benin Republic as persistent attacks by armed men continue to heighten insecurity in the area.
The development was disclosed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency, Murtala Haliru Dantoro, who urged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently establish a permanent and sustained security presence in the area.
Speaking at a press conference, Dantoro raised concerns over the worsening security situation, saying communities across the emirate were increasingly living under siege. He cited killings, kidnappings, displacement, as well as restrictions on farming and movement among the challenges confronting residents.
He called on the government to prioritise preventive security measures rather than waiting for attacks to occur before responding.
According to Dantoro, residents are not asking authorities to rescue them after attacks but want adequate security capable of preventing such incidents in the first place.
“We are not asking to be rescued after the fact. We are asking for security before the fact.”
He stressed that the people of Borgu were not seeking charity from the government, but the protection and security that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to.
Dantoro also highlighted the destruction of a major bridge connecting Borgu with the Republic of Benin, Kebbi and Sokoto States, describing the infrastructure as an important economic lifeline for communities in the emirate.
He said the damaged bridge has disrupted transportation, trade and other economic activities, adding to the hardship already being experienced by residents.
The ADC candidate further warned that the deteriorating security situation was compelling some residents to cross into the Republic of Benin in search of safety.
He described the development as both a humanitarian emergency and a national security concern, urging the Federal and Niger State governments to act swiftly to prevent further displacement.
Dantoro also appealed to local and international humanitarian organisations to provide urgent assistance to displaced residents from Babanna and other affected communities, particularly women and children.
He called for support in the areas of shelter, healthcare, food and other essential needs for those affected by the crisis.
The ADC candidate urged President Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies to give Borgu greater security attention, stressing that residents should be able to “sleep, farm, trade and travel without fear.”
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