Suspected Boko Haram members launched a vicious attack on the Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State. The onslaught, which took place around 8 p.m. on Sunday, resulted in the destruction of over 30 houses, 175 cattle, and more than 150 bags of assorted grains.

Jibrin Abdullahi, the president of the Lakpma Youth Assembly, confirmed the attack, highlighting the influx of bandits and Boko Haram members from neighboring communities, leading to rampant killings and abductions.

Abdullahi revealed, “We have been witnessing the influx of bandits in the past few days from Kaduna towards Allawa district. And before then, our people had been witnessing the presence of Boko Haram members who have relocated from Sabon Gida, Kurebe district, to Allawa ward.”

He added, “So there has been an increase in the attacks, to the extent that on February 12th, these elements stormed Allawa Pandogari Road and planted landmines, which destroyed trucks conveying food items and killed some occupants. Two women and one male were also shot dead.”

Furthermore, Abdullahi explained that the terrorists had attempted an attack on Saturday but were repelled by the military. However, they returned on Sunday using a different route, where they proceeded to raze over 30 houses, 150 bags of soybeans and maize, and 175 cows. This left over 41 households displaced.

The youth leader recounted the terrorists’ brutal actions in Saminaka and Kurmi, where they killed civilians and set houses ablaze before eventually meeting three youths walking on the roadside, whom they mercilessly slaughtered.

Efforts to obtain a response from the police spokesperson in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, and the governor’s spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim, were unsuccessful.

The situation in Niger State is dire, with communities facing repeated attacks that result in immense loss and suffering. The need for swift and effective action to address this escalating crisis cannot be overstated.