The wave of insecurity in Niger State took a disturbing turn on Monday as the former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, was kidnapped along with several others by suspected bandits.
The incident occurred around 4:00pm between Felegi and Ibi communities along the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu Local Government Area. Niworo, who was travelling to Minna, was reportedly abducted alongside a legal practitioner identified as Barrister Ahmad, as well as traders and other passengers returning from the weekly New Bussa market.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen blocked the busy road, forcing vehicles to a halt before whisking their victims into the surrounding forest. Some freed victims later revealed that ransom payments running into millions of naira were collected before their release. They also alleged that bandits were being shielded by some villagers in nearby communities such as Telle, Koloho, and Fanga, where the kidnappers are believed to operate from.
This development comes against the backdrop of heightened attacks in Niger North Senatorial District, particularly in Mashegu, Borgu, Mariga, Magama, and Rijau LGAs. Many residents have been displaced, and the state has witnessed a surge in killings and abductions.
In a related incident on the same day, suspected gunmen attacked a police patrol point along the Ibbi–Bussa road, injuring an officer and damaging a patrol vehicle before being repelled by security operatives.
It will be recalled that in May this year, security forces arrested the village head of Guiwa, Garba Mohammed, along with 13 others, for allegedly aiding banditry by offering shelter to armed groups in Mashegu LGA.
As of press time, the whereabouts of Alhaji Niworo remain unknown, and there has been no official confirmation of ransom demands. The Niger State Government and security agencies are yet to issue detailed statements on ongoing rescue efforts.
The abduction has once again thrown the spotlight on the deteriorating security situation in Niger State, raising concerns over the safety of travellers and rural communities under siege from armed groups.