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.”

Economy
Tinubu signs executive order on virtual assets, currency regulation
The order establishes a virtual assets council, chaired by the CBN, with the NRS and the SEC serving as vice-chairmen.

Education
Abduction: NECO counters Kogi over ‘miracle centre’ claim
Mr Sani described the allegations as false and misleading.

NationWide
Shun politics of domination; Nigeria needs service, competence, Emir Sanusi tells politicians
“Power-sharing should not only be about geographical rotation but about ensuring that credible, competent and compassionate leaders emerge to serve the people,” he said.

States
Man arraigned for allegedly stealing N2.2 million church property in Ibadan
The court adjourned the case until October 7 for a hearing.

NationWide
NDLEA, NCC sign MoU to combat drug trafficking, piracy
Mr Marwa said the partnership reflects a shared reality in the fight against organised crime in Nigeria.

Agriculture
Farmers count losses amid Lagos flooding
Vegetable, maize and cassava farms in parts of Ikorodu, Ojo, Imota and Epe have remained waterlogged for days following sustained rainfall.





