The Nigerian military has withdrawn troops from Allawa community in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area after bandits killed four soldiers and two officers.
The community, which faces severe attacks by bandits and terrorists, was surprised by the sudden withdrawal.
Residents, including women, children, and the elderly, are fleeing their homes, trekking at least 50 kilometers to safer areas.
One local said, “I don’t know if you were aware that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the military personnel on their way to Allawa stepped on an IED and causalities including death were recorded. Some of them are in the hospital. The incident happened on Allawa-pandogari road Tuesday.”
Another resident, Mallam Yahuza Allawa, said, “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. Maybe if you report it, the government will bring vehicles to evacuate us to safe places. Our belongings are there, we can’t pack them.”
He added, “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.”
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security confirmed the withdrawal, saying, “The whole thing is about administrative arrangements by the military to re-strategise to return in full strength.”
