Niger Communities Deserted As Military Shut Camps Over Death Of Soldiers

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of some communities in Niger State have started to flee as military camps located on their vicinity are being closed down.

The Nigerian military had closed its camp and withdrawn troops in Allawa community in Shiroro local government area of Niger State, following the recent killing of four soldiers and two officers by bandits.

Allawa is one of the communities, facing severe attacks by bandits and terrorists in Shiroro council area.

One of the locals, said that the withdrawal came two days after the military vehicle stepped on a landmine along the Allawa-Pandogari road, leading to an 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 an IED and causalities including death were recorded.

“Some of them are in the hospital. The incident happened on Allawa-pandogari road Tuesday.

“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 42 kilometers 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.”