A terrorist gang has embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive targeting youths in parts of Niger state and killing those resisting forceful enlistment.
It was also gathered that the resistance by the youth, at the weekend, led to summary execution of 20 including 10 of them beheaded in Bassa communities in Shiroro local government area of the state.
Further investigation revealed the deadly gunmen also laid siege to several communities in Shiroro, Munya and Rafi local government areas of the state, threatening to kill those who refused to carry arms and join their group.
Some villagers of Bassa communities who spoke on condition of anonymity said the criminal elements had issued quit notice to several communities in the area, warning them to relocate if they were not ready to join the group or face the consequences.
It was also learnt that about 14 days before the latest killing, the gunmen had raided Allawa and Kuchi communities in the same local government, during which they beheaded nine young farmers who refused joining the arm-wielding group.
The nine victims were said to have defied warnings of the terrorists that villagers who fled during the attack on the military camp should not return.
“The men went back to the community with their wives to get some foodstuffs when they were rounded up and beheaded. They (the terrorists) asked the women to send the message to the people that anybody who returned to the community would suffer the same fate,” a resident said.
How they operated
In a Premium Times’ account, one of the residents who fled the community said the terrorists made members of the community hold the severed heads, while they took pictures and made video recordings.
They said the terrorists stormed the village in broad daylight Thursday, assembled the residents and randomly selected 20 adults whom they shot at close range.
“They told us that anybody who refused to be recruited into their fold would be given a similar treatment. They said they used the 10 beheaded youths as an example.
“They said they had warned us that everybody should vacate the community but that we refused. It’s either we join them or we leave the community,” a resident said.
Other villages attacked between Thursday and Friday include Lanta, Kasimani, Unguwan-Madi and Makuda.
In all the villages, the terrorists reportedly set houses on fire and killed domestic animals.
…This is inhuman – Lawmaker
The lawmaker representing Niger East Senatorial District, Sani Musa, described the gruesome murder of the 20 harmless villagers as barbaric, heartless and inhuman, adding “my heart bleeds for them.”
He said: “This is my darkest moment as the representative of the people of Niger East Senatorial district. I am very helpless at the moment. My people, including men, women and children are being killed like animals.
“The question is ‘what do they want from the people? These are harmless and innocent peasant farmers. Do they want to chase my people away from their lands?”
Continuing in an emotion laden tone, the lawmaker said: “Only three weeks ago a group of Bandits attacked Kuchi Community, killing seven security agents and went away with about 150 people. Up till this moment the entire Kuchi Community remained deserted.”
Musa was particularly touched that the attacks were coming at a time the villagers were preparing to return to the farm which is their only source of livelihood.
…Police, NGSG yet to comment
Both the state government and the police were yet to issue a statement on the latest massacre as of the time of this report.
…Gunmen killed in Kaduna community
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have killed five bandits during fighting patrol in Dantarau, Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state, seizing arms and ammunition from them, just as the air component also hit bandits camps in Igabi local government area of the state.
A statement Sunday by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan and made available to Blueprint, said “the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated sub-machine gun, nine AK-47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two motorcycles and two handheld radio sets. The air component of Operation Whirl Punch also destroyed camps in Sabon Birnin Dajji, Igabi local government of Kaduna state.
“Troops and Special Forces under the auspices of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) conducting special fighting patrols in the Kachia-Kajuru axis have neutralized five bandits in Dantarau general area of Kajuru LGA. This was communicated in an operational feedback to the Kaduna state government. According to the report, the troops embarked on operations to clear the Maro-Enugu axis spanning Kachia and Kajuru LGAs.
“At Dantarau community, the troops made contact with bandits and after a sharp exchange; five of the criminals were neutralized. The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated sub-machine gun, nine AK-47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two motorcycles and two handheld radio sets.
“Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully hit bandits camps in Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi LGA. Credible human intelligence sources confirmed the successful operation resulting in several bandits taken out during the mission. Some of the bandits sustained injuries and are reported to be lurking around the general area in need of medical support.
“Locals in the general area are warned to desist from providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies. Consequently, citizens are advised to report to the 24 Operations Room on the numbers: -09034000060 -08170189999
…Gov Sani lauds troops
The statement further said: “Receiving the feedback, the Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, expressed elation at the breakthrough and lauded the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso – for their determined efforts. The Governor further extended commendation to the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshall NN Ananaba and his team, for the outstanding contribution to the security of the state. The Governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations,”
…Suspected IPOB members killed in Abia forest
In a related development, troops of the Nigerian army also killed six suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State, South-east Nigeria.
IPOB is a group seeking the independent state of Biafra, which it wants to be carved out of the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria.
The spokesperson of Operation Lt.-Colonel Udo Ka of the Nigerian army, Jonah Unuakhalu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Colonel Unuakhalu, a lieutenant colonel, said the six suspects were killed on Saturday when troops of Operation Udo Ka of the Nigerian army conducted a clearance operation at a suspected IPOB/ESN camp in Igboro Forest in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.
“During the intelligence-led operation, troops encountered Improvised Explosive Devices along its axis of advance, and one soldier sustained minor injury from the fragment.
“The (suspected) terrorists’ feeble firefights were adequately subdued with superior firepower that led to the neutralisation of six members of the criminal terrorist group,” he said.
The spokesperson said other members of the group fled through nearby bushes with gunshot injuries, adding that blood stains were seen along their escape routes.
He explained that the troops carried out the operation to arrest those behind the 30 May killing of five soldiers in Obikabia Junction in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
Unuakhalu, also the spokesperson of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said the troops destroyed all suspected IPOB camps around the area during the operation.
The spokesperson said the troops recovered three locally fabricated rocket-propelled grenade launchers and two locally fabricated artillery guns with tripod and its bombs.
He said other items recovered include dane guns, Biafran flags, as well as Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles, which were already burnt in one of the camps.
Unuakhalu said the Joint Task Force Operation Udo Ka has called on the residents of Abia State to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving “credible and timely information” that will help to track down criminals in the state and South-east. (Additional report from Premium Times)