A total of seventeen (17) communities in Sokoto state have migrated to Niger Republic due to killings and rampant insecurity in the region.
According to Center for Democracy and Development, CDD the communities that migrated to Niger Republic are communities from Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto state, who fled their traditional locations because of incessant killings and bandits activities.
Aminu Almustapha Boza, member representing Sabon Birni constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly had in an interview told Daily Trust that more than 50,000 residents from 17 communities in the local government have fled to Niger Republic in search shelter following attacks on them
Hon. Boza said: “Our people are being killed every day. So far, we counted over 50,000 of them taking refuge in Niger Republic. It took us two days to count them in the presence of Governor of Maradi and the chairman of Gidan Runji.
“I am regretting joining politics,” he added. “I know the kind of support we gave the governor during his re-election because he promised us security, development and others but look at it, my people are suffering and he cannot come or send a delegate or even relief materials to them.
“The last time Gov. Tambuwal came to our area was after bandits massacred several people in Tarah area last year where he advised my constituents against taking arms to defend themselves.”
Expressing his fear on the condition of the relocated communities, Hon. Boza added that: “they are living under the rain and sun, with nothing from the local and state governments. I bought some bags of garrin rogo, rice and mosquito nets with some drugs for them and I will buy more today. My fear is what will happen if there is any outbreak in the camp.”
Sabon Birni, a local government located on the eastern part of Sokoto has for many years been terrorized by the activities of bandits. On 9th August 2021, Daily Trust reported that bandits killed 12 persons and sacked 14 villages in the local government.
Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufai of the department of History, Usman Danfodio University Sokoto also confirmed that insecurity was forcing communities in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states to flee or relocate to Niger Republic for safety.
He said: “The issue of people relocating to Niger Republic for safety is not only common to Sokoto state, but to other north western states such as Zamfara and Katsina states. In these states, communities do relocate entirely to Niger Republic, especially the border communities due to escalation of insecurity.”
“Historically, what triggers their relocation is a quest for safety and security. Communities such as Sabon Birni and Isa share many things in common with other communities in the Niger Republic.”
“Many border communities leave Nigeria for Niger Republic around 5pm to 6pm, spend the night there and come back to Nigeria the following morning, they feel not safe in Nigeria when night falls and that is the reason they leave.
“But, escalation of the insecurity situation is now making entire communities relocate for safety. More communities are even ready to move because things are getting out of hand.”
