The Nigerian military has closed its camp and withdrawn troops from Allawa community in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, citing the escalating attacks by bandits and terrorists in the region.
Residents expressed surprise at the troop withdrawal, especially given the recent surge in attacks in the community and neighboring areas. One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “I don’t know if you were aware that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the military personnel on their way to Allawa stepped on IED and casualties including death were recorded. Some of them are in the hospital.”
Another resident, Mallam Yahuza Allawa, highlighted the challenges faced by fleeing residents and appealed for government assistance. He Stated that dozens of residents had vacated their communities as early as 4am on foot and were heading towards Erena, Gwada, Kuta or Zumba for safety. “This is a serious issue. Please help us report this issue. We are leaving our communities now and there are insufficient motorcycles and vehicles to take us out as quick as possible. We are afraid. May be if you report it, government will bring vehicles to evacuate us to safe places. Our belongings are there, we can’t pack them.
He further said, “Wallah, hundreds of us have left our communities already. We cannot take Pandogari road because it is not safe. So, we are moving to either Erena, Gwada, Kuta or Zumba. And from Allawa to Erena which is the only exit road for us is at least 42km and we are trekking because there are no vehicles to convey us. We have old people among us. Many people left their homes as early as 4am before early morning prayers. We cannot wait to be killed by these heartless bandits and Boko Haram,” he said.
He added that the fleeing farmers have hundreds of goats and other domestic animals and other valuables, including foodstuffs that they were not able to evacuate due to lack of vehicles.
The withdrawal follows a series of violent incidents, including an ambush where six soldiers and a vigilante lost their lives, and an attack on a military vehicle by a landmine. The situation has forced hundreds of locals, including women, children, and the elderly, to abandon their homes and trek at least 50 kilometers to seek safety.
Residents expressed concern about the vulnerability of their communities without military protection, especially in the face of attacks by suspected members of Boko Haram and ISWAP. They recounted recent attacks that resulted in the destruction of property and loss of lives.
In response to inquiries, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD), the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed the troop withdrawal, stating that it is part of a strategic reevaluation by the military to address insecurity effectively.