The Nigerian Army has disclosed that poor road networks, communication
infrastructure and the vastness of the affected communities were
responsible for the attacks in Zamfara and Niger states.
The army asserted that the roads in those areas were very poor and the
communication infrastructure is also poor.
It added that it takes two to three days before they get information
on the havoc wreaked by terrorists.
This was made known by Army Director of Defence Information, Major
General Jimmy Akpor, noting that military had taken this into
perspective, adding that it had deployed troops to address the
situation.
Akpor affirmed that the whole of the South-East will be swallowed by
Niger State if put inside.
Stressing that the large expanse of land in Niger State is not
something that can easily block and neutralise.
He said, “The military has appropriately deployed troops to deal with
the situation on the ground but you must understand these areas are
vast. If you put the whole of the South-East inside Niger State, it
would swallow it. When they tell you they moved from a place and went
to cause havoc at another, if you don’t know how large this expanse of
land is you would think it is something you can easily block and
neutralise them.
“Also, the roads in these areas are very poor, and the communication
infrastructure is also poor. Before we get information on the havoc
wreaked by these terrorists, it takes two to three days. The road
infrastructure to respond is terrible. We have taken everything into
perspective and we are working very hard to ensure that no Nigerian
suffers undue threat to life and properties.
“A lot is happening in these states. That is why the heat is on them
and they are running from their comfort zone. It means they would not
have food and resources wherever they are running to. Therefore, they
would pounce on villages along the way. It is unfortunate; we are
carrying out a pursuit on them. Very soon, even the forests would not
be a safe haven for the.“
At least nine people were killed and several others displaced when
bandits on Sunday night attacked communities in the Tsafe Local
Government Area of Zamfara State.
Communities under Tsafe (in Zamfara) and Faskari (in Katsina State)
are being terrorised by Adamu Aleru, a notorious banditry kingpin in
the Tsafe forest.
A resident of Tsafe town, Salisu Sabo said the villages attacked on
Sunday night include Magazawa, Kajera, Unguwar Dan Halima, Unguwar
Rogo, Unguwar Ango, Kurar Mota and Kauyen Kane all under Bilbis
district.
“They conducted simultaneous operations, but the deadliest was in
Magazawa village where seven people were killed. The bodies were
discovered in the morning of Monday. In other villages, we have not
heard of any killing, but most residents of the communities have fled
to Tsafe town. I saw over 50 women coming into Tsafe this morning,” he
said.