The Nigerian Army has closed the military camp in Allawa community, Shiroro local government of Niger state. The military also withdrew all its troops stationed in the area.
Allawa community has been one of the most badly affected by recent spates of attacks by suspected bandits and terrorists, so, the action of the military came as a surprise to the residents.
Recent attacks in the community and its neighboring towns and villages have resulted in the death and kidnap of hundreds of locals including women, the elderly and children causing many to vacate their communities. The withdrawal of troops has exacerbated the relocations as locals fear the worst without the added protection of troops.
One of the locals said the withdrawal came two days after the military vehicle stepped on a landmine along Allawa-Pandogari road leading to unspecified number of casualties.
“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 causalities including death were recorded. Some of them are in the hospital. The incident happened on Allawa-pandogari road Tuesday,” he said.
He said the fleeing farmers have hundreds of goats and other domestic animals and other valuables including food stuffs that they were not able to evacuate due to lack vehicles.
Another resident echoed same sentiment saying “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. “Wallahi, 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.
