Banditry: Will asking people to sell their cattle in Mariga LGA help resolve the issue of banditry in the area?

Although we can’t confirm the accuracy of the claim, it was reported that during the

so-called stakeholders’ meeting in Kontagora, a politician allegedly instructed district and village heads in Zone C to sell their cattle as a way to curb banditry in the area. 

But will selling cattle really solve the problem? Definitely not. Even in the states where banditry initially started, such instructions were never given to citizens.

Besides, what are these villagers expected to do with the proceeds from such sales—assuming there are even any cattle left? The reality, which the adviser seems to have overlooked, is that there are very few cattle remaining in the area. 

Most have already been stolen by the bandits long ago.

Yet the attacks persist. These bandits now come almost every four days without resistance, using this area as a transit route to other locations. 

So, with or without cattle, they will continue to pass through communities like Kotonkoro, Kumbashi, Maburya Kakihum, and others—unless deliberate efforts are made to block or secure these routes.

What we expect from our elected officials Senator, House of Representatives members, Ministers, State Assembly members—as well as prominent leaders from this region, is to escalate this issue to the President, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The goal should be to advocate for the establishment of a military base in the region—particularly in areas known to serve as bandit strongholds. Blocking their movement routes is a critical step that would significantly reduce or possibly eliminate the continuous attacks on communities in Niger and Kebbi States.

Presently the bandits are reported to be in Inana and may probably be heading toward Rijau and other communities within this area. 

People traveling along this axis are advice to exercise a bit caution.

We pray for God intervention as people of this area are subjected to hardship as a result of this constant attack by this bandits in recent times. We are calling for the Government to do the needful please.