Insecurity: Buhari summons Niger governors, others, as residents block Kaduna-Abuja highway
By Tina Omoregie and Gloria Akudoro, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with the governor of Niger State, Sani Bello, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi,and the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee and Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni,
Sources close to Nigerian NewsDirect revealed that the meeting with the governors was over the security situation in Niger State.
A police station was burnt amid a protest by residents of Gauraka in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.
This followed an attack by gunmen on Angwan-Wazobia community on Monday where six locals were allegely abducted by the assailants.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack on the community and the station in a statement.
Residents of Gauraka community in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State have blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway to protest the incessant cases of kidnapping in the community.
They lamented that no fewer than 15 locals have been abducted between Saturday and Sunday, and three others have lost their lives.
The protesters burnt tyres and halted vehicular movement on the highway.
They demanded that the state and Federal Government boost security in the area and end the incessant attacks.
This comes after kidnappers stormed the area on Saturday and Sunday kidnapping at least fifteen persons from the community and killing three others.
There have been speculations about Boko Haram terrorists infiltrating Gauraka community after Governor Abubakar Bello announced that terrorists have hoisted their flags in some communities in Niger State in April.
Gauraka community is about five kilometres away from Nigeria’s seat of power and transportation fare ranges from N150-N300 depending on the location in Abuja.
Residents lament that they have long lost sleep due to the activities of kidnappers who have continued to terrorise the community.
They explained that more than thirty people have been abducted from January to date.
Niger State has come under serious banditry attacks which have left hundreds of people killed, including security personnel, and more than fifteen thousand people displaced who are now taking shelter in temporary camps provided by the state government.
However, the governors declined to speak to the media when they were approached after the meeting.
