Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago says more than 500,000 people have been displaced from Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State due to persistent bandit attacks.
He disclosed this during a presidential relief initiative in Borgu, where food items, nutrition packs and essential drugs were distributed to affected residents.
According to Bago, the displaced residents are mostly indigenes of Borgu who have fled repeated raids, kidnappings and killings by armed groups.
They are now scattered across Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory and even neighbouring Benin Republic.
The governor said the Niger State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners, is fast tracking plans for their safe return and resettlement.
He described the current efforts as “frantic”, noting that restoring normal life and livelihoods in Borgu is a top priority.
Bago revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to clear and secure the Borgu National Park, which bandits have used as a base.
The plan includes establishing permanent forward operating bases in and around the park to block the movement of criminal gangs.
The governor appealed to displaced persons and host communities to remain patient, stressing that the food and medical supplies being shared show that government has not forgotten them.
He assured them that more support and security operations are on the way to make their eventual return safe and sustainable.
Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, praised Bago’s commitment to his people and efforts to draw federal attention to the crisis.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and maintain calm as authorities work to restore peace.
Security experts say Niger State has become one of the worst hit by banditry, with organised groups attacking villages, destroying farms and cutting people off from their sources of income.
They warn that without sustained security operations and economic support, displacement and poverty could deepen across the affected areas.
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