Youth and community groups from Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have held a closed-door security meeting with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, seeking urgent federal intervention and a presidential visit following renewed banditry attacks in the area.
The meeting, convened on Thursday under the umbrella of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA), brought together several youth, women, and community-based organisations to brief the governor on the deteriorating security situation across the LGA.
Governor Bago, while addressing the delegation, expressed condolences to residents over a recent attack in Erena community that resulted in the deaths of both security personnel and civilians. He acknowledged the severity of the crisis and reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the area.
The governor noted that the state government had already initiated measures to curb banditry but stressed that sustainable peace would require collective responsibility and collaboration between government and citizens. He assured the groups that ongoing security strategies would be reviewed and strengthened to restore normalcy, enabling residents to safely resume farming, trading, and schooling activities.
In their submissions, the Shiroro groups commended security agencies for their efforts and sacrifices, while also extending condolences to families of victims. However, they called for more decisive and visible interventions.
A key demand by the delegation was for Governor Bago to lobby President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Shiroro in person. According to the groups, such a visit would not only serve as a show of empathy but also provide the President with first-hand insight into the scale of insecurity, potentially shaping a more responsive national security approach.
The groups also urged both state and federal authorities to immediately provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected families and displaced persons.
Beyond security, the stakeholders emphasized the need for accelerated development in Shiroro, calling on the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing capital projects. They argued that improved infrastructure and economic opportunities would complement security efforts and enhance livelihoods.
As part of their contribution to lasting peace, the groups presented a documented Community Security Strategic Plan to the governor, urging its adoption and implementation within the state’s broader security framework.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing insecurity, with the community groups pledging continued engagement until peace is restored in Shiroro.
