*Act on Accurate Information, Speaker Urges Military By Awwal Umar Kontagora Suspected bandits have abducted 20 passengers along the Mariga-...
*Act on Accurate Information, Speaker Urges Military
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Suspected bandits have abducted 20 passengers along the Mariga-Kontagora road in Niger State. The bandits reportedly set up a roadblock, forcing the travelers into a nearby forest. Those abducted include passengers, family members, and children traveling to attend a wedding.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga Constituency, confirmed the abduction on Thursday. His statement came after the military denied reports of bandit activity within the vicinity of military training grounds shared by Kontagora and Mariga Local Government Areas.
Speaking to reporters, Sarkin-Daji explained that the abduction occurred on Thursday along the Mariga-Kontagora road, specifically between Baban-Lamba and Beri.
The Speaker further revealed that families of previously kidnapped victims had delivered ransom payments to forested areas allegedly near military training grounds. According to released victims, they were held near the Kontagora Army Barracks.
Sarkin-Daji urged the military to act on accurate information and clear the bandits from the area, stating, “The passengers kidnapped on Thursday on the Mariga-Kontagora road were also taken to the same forest.”
He emphasized that, as representatives of the people, legislators often receive firsthand accounts of their constituents’ hardships and thoroughly investigate these issues before bringing them to the Assembly or public.
While acknowledging the military’s capability to combat banditry, Sarkin-Daji cautioned against dismissing constituents' reports and concerns.
He called on the federal government and relevant authorities to take action, noting that local communities have alleged the military training grounds have become a haven for bandits.
“Even those released after ransom payments have stated that they were held within sight of the Kontagora Army Barracks,” Sarkin-Daji added. “The military should verify information from the victims and address the issue rather than dismissing statements made by Assembly members.”
Despite a previous dismissal by the military of one Assembly member’s statements, bandits once again blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri on Thursday, October 31, abducting over 20 passengers and relocating them to the same forested area, according to the Speaker.
The Speaker called on the military to clear the area of criminals and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to raising awareness to ensure the federal government and stakeholders understand the plight of the people.
He recalled that the member representing Kontagora II constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Isah, had previously presented a motion of public importance before the State Assembly, alerting them to bandits allegedly occupying parts of the Kontagora military training grounds and displacing nearby villages. This claim was subsequently denied by the military.
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