Residents of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State are reportedly fleeing their communities for the Benin Republic amid persistent attacks, killings, kidnappings and growing restrictions on movement and farming.
The worsening security situation was raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency, Murtala Haliru Dantoro, who called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently deploy a permanent and sustained security presence to the area.
Dantoro raised the alarm during a press conference, warning that communities across the Borgu Emirate were increasingly living under siege as insecurity disrupts daily life and economic activities.
According to Dantoro, residents are facing a combination of killings, kidnappings, displacement and restrictions on farming and movement.
He argued that government intervention should focus on preventing attacks rather than responding only after lives and property have already been lost.
The ADC candidate said residents were not asking authorities to rescue them after attacks occur but were demanding security measures capable of preventing such attacks in the first place.
“We are not asking to be rescued after the fact. We are asking for security before the fact.”
Dantoro stressed that residents of Borgu were not seeking charity but the protection and security guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.
Insecurity Forces Residents Toward Benin Republic
The deteriorating security situation is reportedly forcing some residents to cross into the Republic of Benin in search of safety.
The movement of residents across the border highlights the growing humanitarian consequences of insecurity in communities close to Nigeria’s international boundaries.
Dantoro described the development as both a humanitarian emergency and a national security concern, warning that continued insecurity could result in further displacement.
Destroyed Bridge Disrupts Trade and Movement
The security crisis has also been compounded by the destruction of a major bridge linking Borgu with the Republic of Benin, Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Dantoro described the bridge as a critical economic lifeline for communities in the emirate.
Its destruction has reportedly affected movement, trade and other economic activities, adding to the hardship experienced by residents.
For communities already struggling with insecurity, damage to critical infrastructure can further isolate residents and make access to markets, healthcare and other essential services more difficult.
Call for Humanitarian Assistance
Dantoro also appealed to local and international humanitarian organisations to assist displaced residents from Babanna and other affected communities.
He particularly called for support for women and children affected by the crisis.
The requested assistance includes:
- Emergency shelter
- Food
- Healthcare
- Essential relief materials
- Support for displaced families
Such assistance, he said, is urgently needed as more residents are affected by insecurity and displacement.
Call for Permanent Security Presence
The ADC candidate urged President Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies to give Borgu greater security attention.
He called for a permanent and sustained security presence rather than temporary interventions following attacks.
Dantoro said residents should be able to “sleep, farm, trade and travel without fear.”
The appeal comes as insecurity continues to affect livelihoods and movement in parts of Niger State and other communities across northern Nigeria.
Why the Borgu Crisis Matters
The situation in Borgu goes beyond the immediate impact of individual attacks.
When insecurity prevents residents from farming, trading or travelling freely, it can affect food production, local commerce, household incomes and access to essential services.
The displacement of residents into neighbouring countries also creates wider humanitarian and border-security concerns.
For communities in border areas, maintaining security is therefore important not only for protecting lives but also for preserving economic activity and preventing further displacement.
Conclusion
The reported flight of Borgu residents to the Benin Republic underscores the severe impact insecurity can have on communities, livelihoods and local economies.
With residents reportedly facing killings, kidnappings and restrictions on movement and farming, calls are growing for stronger preventive security measures and humanitarian intervention.
The immediate challenge is to restore sufficient security for displaced and vulnerable residents to return to their communities and resume normal activities.
