GBY Expresses Sympathy for Bassa Bomb Explosion Victims and Urges Authorities to Combat Terrorism
From: Abubakar Adamu Kuta.
The Gbegnu Boku Yakwo Association (GBY), a pan-Gbagyi socio-cultural group, extends its heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the recent bomb blast in the Bassa community, located in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement signed by the President of the Niger State Chapter of GBY, Comrade Bako Wakili Bosso, the organization condemned the bomb explosion, describing it as a severe act of terrorism that must be addressed to prevent the unnecessary killing of defenseless farmers.
Comrade Bako Wakili expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on communities in Shiroro since the Nigerian Army’s announcement of a “tactical withdrawal” of soldiers from the Allawa axis aimed at combating terrorism. These attacks have resulted in numerous fatalities, property destruction, abductions, and ransom demands.
He urged that if the Niger State Government seeks to realize its slogan of “Niger Can Feed the Nation,” it must take proactive measures to address the rising crime rates affecting law-abiding citizens, particularly in rural areas where farming predominates.
The statement emphasized that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is a constitutional responsibility of the government. Consequently, all levels of government must prioritize security by deploying law enforcement personnel to the affected communities to restore law and order.
The ongoing acts of banditry and kidnapping have inflicted severe hardship on the people of Shiroro Local Government. Therefore, it is essential for both the State and Federal Government to intensify efforts to put an end to the heinous crimes committed by these unscrupulous individuals.
It is important to note that terrorists have planted bombs and landmines in the Bassa community, tragically resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals who were on their way to their farms, while several others sustained various degrees of injury, leaving the community in a state of fear, sorrow, and uncertainty.