Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and his entourage narrowly avoided a dangerous encounter with armed terrorists last Sunday after inadvertently entering a terrorist-controlled zone near Igade (Mashegu LGA) and Bangi (Mariga LGA).
The incident occurred during the governor’s tour of Niger North Senatorial District, where he has been inspecting infrastructure projects and engaging with local communities. Governor Bago was assessing a five-kilometer road project in Igade and announced plans to extend it to Mariga LGA while pledging to rehabilitate regional health centers.
However, while returning to Kotangora, the convoy mistakenly entered a known bandit stronghold. Sources close to the governor confirmed the convoy had taken a wrong turn and entered the perilous Bangi-Igade axis. Recognizing the danger, the security team quickly altered the route, but the convoy reportedly came under fire as they attempted to retreat.
Security Response
An anonymous source explained, “The security operatives realized the area was unsafe and advised the convoy to turn back. As they did, bandits opened fire, but the team repelled the attackers.” Some of the assailants were reportedly killed during the exchange, while others retreated into the forest.
The Bangi-Igade region has long been a hotspot for terrorist activities, with frequent attacks on civilians and security personnel. Recent incidents include:
- October: Three locals were ambushed and killed on the Bangi-Kotonkoro road.
- November: Seven farmers were murdered, and 50 bags of maize were set ablaze in Bangi.
- Ongoing attacks: Multiple wards, including Gulbin Boka, Igwama, and Maburya, remain under bandit control.
Journalist Targeted After Report
Following initial reports of the governor’s near-miss by Prestige FM Minna on December 3, freelance journalist Mustapha Bina faced intimidation from the State Security Services (SSS). Operatives reportedly raided the station, searching for Bina, and later summoned him for questioning. He was pressured to reveal his sources but was eventually released after intervention by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Bina described the ordeal as “demoralizing” but stood by his reporting, which highlights the precarious security situation in Niger State.
Government Denial
Despite multiple accounts, the Niger State government dismissed claims of an attack. Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Bologi, described the reports as baseless. In a statement, he asserted that Governor Bago’s tour of Niger North had been smooth and uneventful. “There has been no attack or threat to the governor’s convoy during the ongoing project inspection,” Bologi said.
Persistent Security Concerns
The conflicting narratives underline the severe insecurity plaguing Niger State. While the government insists the governor’s tour was peaceful, the mounting reports of violent incidents in the region underscore the risks faced by residents and officials alike.
This episode adds to the growing call for decisive action to address the insecurity and improve safety across affected areas.
