The development was disclosed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency, Murtala Haliru Dantoro, who urged the Federal Government to urgently establish a permanent security presence in the area.
Speaking at a press conference, Dantoro said communities across the Borgu Emirate were increasingly living in fear due to recurring killings, kidnappings and displacement.
He said the insecurity had also severely affected farming and freedom of movement, leaving residents unable to carry out their daily activities without fear of attack.
Dantoro called on President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to shift from a reactive approach to a preventive strategy, arguing that security forces should be deployed before attacks occur.
“We are not asking to be rescued after the fact. We are asking for security before the fact,” he said.
According to him, residents of Borgu were not seeking government handouts but the protection and safety guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.
He also raised concerns over the destruction of a major bridge connecting Borgu with the Republic of Benin, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Dantoro described the bridge as an important economic link, saying its destruction had disrupted transportation, trade and other commercial activities, thereby increasing the hardship faced by residents.
He warned that the worsening insecurity, combined with the damaged infrastructure, was pushing more residents to seek refuge across the border in Benin Republic.
The ADC candidate described the situation as both a humanitarian crisis and a growing national security concern, urging the Federal and Niger State governments to act swiftly to prevent further displacement.
He further appealed to local and international humanitarian organisations to support displaced residents from Babanna and other affected communities, particularly women and children.
He called for urgent assistance in the form of shelter, food, healthcare and other essential supplies.
Dantoro stressed that the people of Borgu deserved an environment where they could live and carry out their livelihoods safely, urging the government to ensure residents can “sleep, farm, trade and travel without fear.”
