The Niger State Government has said that Boko Haram terrorists have gained full control of at least five communities in the state.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, who stated that the Islamic extremists were in control of communities in Rafi and Shiroto Local Government Areas of the State.
Matane listed the communites under control by the insurgents as; Kurebe, Farina Kuka, Gussau in Shiroro LGA and Madaka, Hanawanka in Rafi LGAs of the state.
He added that the presence of the terrorists have forced many residents of these communities to relocate to nearby villages for safety.
Matane revealed that the Boko Haram fighters operate freely in the affected communities wielding sophisticated weapons.
According to him, the state government had already notified security operatives on the latest development.
He said, ”We have spent over N2 billion on the security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the last two years.
“We will continue to accord priority attention to the welfare of security personnel deployed to enable them wipe out all those involved in the illegal acts for peace, progress and political stability.
“We equally appeal to residents to volunteer reliable information on movement of bad characters to the nearest security outfits for security action.
”We have also reached out to traditional and religious leaders as well as stakeholders to mobilize residents to support the effort of the government in the ongoing fight against criminal elements”.
Matane, also assured that the state government will not rest on its efforts to bring to a halt security challenges confronting the state presently.
