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The Niger State Government issued a warning on Monday to residents of certain communities in the state, urging them to avoid going to farms to prevent falling victim to Improvised Explosive Devices planted by bandits.
In August 2024, PUNCH Online reported that bandits killed 13 farmers in the Alawa community of the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
The bandits were said to have tracked the farmers to their farms, killing them because they had provided intelligence on bandits’ movements to security agencies.
The State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Abdullahi, issued the warning in Minna, the state capital, during the 2024 Base Socio-Cultural Activities at the 013 Quick Response Force, Nigerian Air Force, Minna.
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According to Abdullahi, the military must first clear the suspected mine-laden areas before locals can resume safe movement.
“We are warning our farmers to be careful about going to their farms for now. Bandits have hidden IEDs in the ground to cause disaster. The military must first clear the suspected mine-laden areas before local movement can resume safely,” Abdullahi said.
The commissioner, who represented Governor Mohammed Bago at the event, stressed the growing threat posed by terrorists planting bombs and noted the ongoing military efforts to curb terrorism and banditry in the state.
Abdullahi reiterated Bago’s confidence that the military would clear the area of mines in Shiroro.
“The governor has reiterated the government’s reliance on the military to clear the areas of mines in Shiroro,” he said.
Commander of the 013 Quick Response Force, Austine Idoko, assured that the military would continue operations to rid the state of terrorism and banditry under the guidance of the Chief of Air Staff.
The BASA (Base Socio-Cultural Activities) is an annual celebration marking the successful operational year of the 013 Quick Response Force. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nigerian Air Force personnel and promotes unity among personnel families and the host community.
On December 19, 2024, three bomb explosions occurred in the Bassa community of Shiroro LGA, killing one person and injuring five others.
