By Abigail Philip David
As Nigerians prepare to usher in the new year, fear and tension grip parts of Zamfara and Benue states following threats of attacks by terrorists and armed groups.
In Zamfara State, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji released a video threatening to attack three local government areas spanning Sokoto and Zamfara states if his ally, Baka Wurgi, recently arrested by the military, is not released. Turji’s threats have caused panic, forcing over 50 villages in the Shinkafi Local Government Area to be abandoned as residents flee to neighboring areas.
Speaking at a press conference in Gusau, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly.
“Since Turji’s video surfaced, over 80% of residents in Shinkafi communities have fled. This threat is a slap in the face of the Nigerian military if not addressed promptly,” Shinkafi stated.
The situation is no less dire in Benue State, where residents of the Turan Community in Kwande Local Government Area are on edge following rumors of an impending New Year’s Day attack. The same community suffered a deadly attack on Christmas Day, leaving 17 people dead and several others injured or abducted.
Among the victims of the Christmas attack was seven-year-old Ishughun Tyohemba, who returned with her left hand amputated after being abducted by the attackers. Her father, Terhemba Tyohemba, was brutally killed during the attack.
Igbawua Gandepuun, a youth leader in the community, described the dire situation:
“People are fleeing in droves. We informed security agencies about the Christmas Day attack, but they did nothing until it was too late. Now, the community is in panic again.”
He called on the Benue State Government to increase security presence to prevent further violence and allow residents to safely return to their farms, many of which have been abandoned during the harvest season.
The Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness Timothy Ahire, criticized the poor response of security forces, stating:
“We had intelligence on the Christmas Day attack but received no support from security personnel.”
Military Assures Citizens of Safety
Despite the widespread fear, the Nigerian military has assured citizens that the situation is under control. Sources within the military stated that ongoing operations are designed to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“There’s no cause for alarm,” a military source said, adding that counter-terrorism measures are actively in place.
Meanwhile, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed concerns about terrorist use of drones, noting that they are not military-grade and pose no significant threat to the armed forces’ operations.
As the new year approaches, many residents in these troubled regions remain on edge, calling for decisive action from the government and security agencies to restore peace and security.
