Banditry: Over 14,000 Persons In IDPs Camps In Niger – Agency

The Director-General of the Niger State Agency for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Danjuma Suleiman Nalongo, has disclosed that a total of 14,342 IDPs dislodged due to insecurity are currently receiving refuge at various IDP camps set up by the state government in the state.

The DG, who made this disclosure in Minna, said they were displaced following incessant violent attacks by bandits or insurgent groups on rural communities over the last few years.

He explained that IDPs receiving succour fluctuates as a result of communities being attacked by gunmen or insurgent groups in the state.

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According to him: “When people are displaced, they abandon their residences or homelands and seek refuge in urban areas. After attacks by bandits, they often return to their homes and resume their normal lives, leading to fluctuations in the number of IDPs”.

He also stated that during the last banditry attacks in rural villages, a total of 14,342 IDPs were recorded in various locations and sections of the state, primarily in Shiroro LG, which includes communities such as Allawa, Kuta, and Gwada, as well as Rafi and Munya LGs in Niger East Senatorial District.

Nalongo further revealed other LGs that suffered banditry attacks, including Borgu, Kontagora, and Bangi in Mariga in the Niger North senatorial district.

He said: ”We also have Wushishi and Zungeru communities in Wushishi LGA, which are also seriously affected by insecurity challenges.”