Religious and community leaders from Borgu Kingdom in Niger State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and federal security chiefs to establish a military base in Agwara Local Government Area, citing persistent bandit attacks in the area.
The leaders made the appeal during a press conference in Minna over the weekend, where they described the security situation in Agwara and parts of Borgu as a humanitarian concern requiring urgent federal attention.
Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the communities had continued to experience attacks that had resulted in deaths, displacement, and disruption of economic and educational activities.
He acknowledged previous directives by President Tinubu to security chiefs but expressed concern over what he described as a limited military presence in the affected communities.
“Our people are seeking help. We are appealing for increased security presence in Agwara, especially in Papiri town, to protect residents and key institutions serving surrounding communities,” he said.
Yohanna warned that the continued insecurity could undermine agricultural production in the area, which has traditionally been known for food production.
The appeal comes days after an attack on the Agwara Police Station, during which the facility was set ablaze. The incident also affected a church and reportedly led to abductions.
A community advocate and member of the Borgu royal family, Murtala Dantoro, said several communities had suffered attacks, resulting in loss of lives and disruption of livelihoods.
He also highlighted security concerns along the Mokwa–Bussa federal highway and in forested areas around the Kainji National Park, which he said posed challenges for security operations.
The leaders called on the Federal Government to designate Agwara and Borgu as security priority zones, deploy additional troops, and establish a fully equipped military base to improve response capacity.
They also urged the Minister of Defence to consider establishing forward operating bases for sustained presence, while calling on the Inspector-General of Police to rebuild the Agwara Police Station and deploy more personnel and equipment.
In addition, they appealed to the management of Kainji National Park to enhance security measures within the park, conduct joint patrols, and clear roadside vegetation to reduce the risk of ambushes.
Bishop Yohanna also called on the National Assembly to push for better weapons and ammunition for the military, while urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, to intervene swiftly.
The leaders also stressed the human cost of these attacks, which include families torn apart, children denied education, farmers unable to access their lands, and entire communities living in constant fear, noting that Borgu had historically been peaceful until men of the underworld infiltrated the area.
Dantoro urged residents to support vigilantes, provide intelligence, and maintain unity across religious and ethnic lines while remaining hopeful.
“Borgu Kingdom believes in Nigeria. We believe in your leadership. We believe that our cries will not fall on deaf ears.”
