The Borgu Emirate in Niger State has come under severe security pressure as armed terrorist groups have reportedly overrun several communities and forest areas, leaving residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Local sources disclosed that the attackers have taken advantage of vast forests and difficult terrain to establish strongholds, from where they launch repeated assaults on surrounding villages. These attacks have reportedly involved killings, kidnappings, looting of food supplies, and the destruction of homes, forcing many residents to flee their communities for safety.
Farmers in affected areas have been particularly hit, as fear of attacks has made it dangerous to access farmlands. This has disrupted agricultural activities, worsened food insecurity, and threatened livelihoods across the emirate. Community members also reported that some villages have been abandoned entirely as residents seek refuge in safer towns and neighboring states.
Traditional rulers and community leaders within the Borgu Emirate have raised alarm over the worsening situation, warning that the continued presence of terrorists in nearby forests poses a serious threat to regional stability. They expressed concern that without urgent and sustained intervention, more communities could fall under the control of armed groups.
Security agencies are said to be aware of the situation, with calls mounting for increased military operations, improved surveillance, and stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups. Residents have urged the government to deploy more troops and establish permanent security bases to reclaim occupied areas and prevent further expansion by the terrorists.
The crisis has also strained social life within the emirate, with schools disrupted, markets operating under fear, and movement restricted. Many residents say daily life has been reduced to survival, as uncertainty dominates their communities.
As tension continues to rise, stakeholders are calling for decisive action to flush out the armed groups from the forests, restore peace to affected communities, and enable displaced residents to return home safely. The situation in the Borgu Emirate highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Niger State and the urgent need for sustained solutions to protect lives and property.