Boko Haram seizes 500 communities in Niger, advances towards Shiroro Power Station

Five hundred communities, domiciled in eight political wards in Niger State, are currently under the command of Boko Haram terrorists who have dislodged the Nigerian civil authority.
Suleiman Chikuba, the chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area, told reporters on Friday that eight wards, including Manta, Gurmana, Bassa-Kokki, Allawa, Kurebe, Kushaka, Kwati and Chukumba, have been taken over by the insurgents.
The insurgents have reportedly threatened to take over Shiroro Hydro Power Station, one of Nigeria’s largest power infrastructure.
A spokesman for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return a request seeking comment from Peoples Gazette about the insurgents’ growing threat in Niger and other parts of central Nigeria.
Mr Chikuba’s alarm comes on the heels of the terrorists onslaught and massacre of innocent citizens in Kachiwe community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had sounded a similar alarm after Boko Haram sacked villages and hoisted its flag in Kaure village of Shiroro LGA about six months ago.
Mr Chikuba noted Shiroro LGA was not only plagued with banditry but also suffered constant attacks from terrorists.
He explained the takeover has emboldened the insurgents to begin the recruitment process of new members, promising them sophisticated arms as well as teaching them tactics to bring down the government.
The local government chairman said his statements were no bluff as he had proof to back up his claims.
He therefore called on the federal government to force out the terrorists who seemed to have found a haven in Shiroro LGA.
Mr Chikuba said; “As the Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, I can tell you that Shiroro is not only dealing with the issue of banditry, Shiroro has a lot of Boko Haram, I have proof of this as the chairman,
“Boko Haram has proclaimed that they do not want conventional primary and secondary schools, their only preference is the Islamic school.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Jonathan hails Sierra Leone’s decision on ex-president Koroma
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the Sierra Leone government’s decision to discontinue criminal proceedings against its former president, Ernest Koroma.

States
Benue govt, foundation partner to improve agriculture, boost food security
The Benue government pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Teryima and Msurshima Foundation to expand the distribution of improved foundation seed.

Politics
Borno youths mobilise thousands for Tinubu, Shettima’s re-election
Youths in Borno have mobilised thousands to canvass grassroots support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Economy
Labcorp agrees to pay $14 million to resolve false claims allegations
Laboratory Corporation of America (Labcorp), a national clinical diagnostics company, has agreed to pay $14,500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.

Economy
Redi-Bag USA, CEO to pay $7 million over evaded customs duties allegation
Redi-Bag USA and Mr Rabiea allegedly misrepresented on customs entry forms that the country of origin of the PRCBs was Hong Kong, thus evading anti-dumping duties.

States
ADC mourns Amaechi’s mother
The African Democratic Congress expressed condolences to its vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Mary Amaechi.





