NIGER State governor, Umaru Bago, had every reason to thank God as he narrowly escaped being killed last Sunday when his convoy reportedly strayed into a notorious terrorist enclave on the outskirts of Igade in Mashegu Local Government Area) and Bangi Mariga Local Government Area.
The governor and his entourage had been touring local communities in Niger North Senatorial District to inspect ongoing development projects. Among the highlights was a five-kilometre road project in Igade, which Mr Bago announced would be extended to Mariga Local Government Area. He also assured the residents of plans to rehabilitate nearby health centres, promising better access to healthcare services for the people.
However, their return journey to Kotangora took a dramatic turn when the convoy accidentally veered off course. According to multiple sources close to the governor’s team, the entourage found itself in a part of the region controlled by terrorists. A source, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said, “They missed their route and ended up in the Bangi and Igade axis, an area heavily controlled by bandits.”
Realising the danger, security personnel in the convoy quickly advised the governor to reverse course. As they attempted to retreat, terrorists opened fire on the convoy. Fortunately, the security team managed to overpower the attackers, and some of the bandits were reportedly killed, while others retreated into the forest.
The Bangi and Igade areas have been hotspots for terrorist activities in recent months. In October, bandits killed three locals travelling on the Bangi-Kontonkkoro Road, and the same month saw a deadly clash in which a police officer was killed. Terrorists have also been blamed for several attacks on farmers in the area, including the murder of seven farmers in November and the destruction of 50 bags of maize.
Despite the close call, the Niger State government has denied the incident, labelling it as false. Ibrahim Bologi, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, stated that the governor’s tour had been peaceful, with no threats or attacks on the convoy. “The convoy of the farmer governor has been having a smooth tour of ongoing projects across the Niger North Senatorial District since last week,” he said in a statement posted on X.
In a separate development, Prestige FM radio station in Minna first reported the incident on 3 December, prompting a swift response from the State Security Services (SSS). Operatives raided the station’s premises in search of freelance journalist Mustapha Bina, who had aired the story. Although they didn’t find Bina, they later summoned him for questioning, where he was interrogated for several hours. Bina refused to reveal his sources, describing the experience as demoralizing. He was only allowed to leave after the intervention of his colleagues at the correspondents’ chapel and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Despite the government’s denial of the event, the tense moment highlights the increasing security challenges in Niger State and the surrounding regions, where banditry and terrorist activities continue to plague local communities.
• Additional reports courtesy of barristerng.com
Eighteen-Eleven Media